ZIFA councillors have said they have been receiving unfair criticism and unnecessary pressure ahead of the December 5 election where they will choose a new executive committee to succeed the Cuthbert Dube regime.
BY HENRY MHARA
The councillors have been accused of contributing to the demise of the game by choosing people with no football interests at heart to lead the soccer mother body, but Zifa Northern Region chairman Willard Manyengavana, who is one of the 58 councillors who will vote next week, said they deserved to be given a chance.
Speaking at a function organised by former Warriors player and Zifa board member aspirant Edzai Kasinauyo yesterday, Manyengavana promised the nation that he and his colleagues would vote for candidates whom they knew would serve the best interests of football.
“I feel very sorry for us councillors because some of the attacks that we get from people, especially the media, are not necessary. You are putting us under unnecessary pressure. I think what you guys (media) must do is just come out and say councillors vote for so and so. You keep attacking us, but what have we done wrong? Because Manyengavana has attended this function, does that mean that I will vote for Edzai? People should judge us after we have voted, not before,” Manyengavana said.
There have been reports that councillors are being bribed by candidates to vote for them, but Manyengavana said no amount of money would buy their votes.
“What I want you to know is that the councillors know what they want. They have their expectations (on their preferred candidates) and have the love for the game. Who does not want to be associated with good times in football? We all want that and it’s unfortunate that you are told that we are being bribed by the candidates. As councillors, we know what should be done. It’s unfortunate sometimes we have differences with you guys (media), but that doesn’t mean that we don’t know what we are doing. If I don’t do what you expect, it doesn’t necessarily mean that what you want me to do is the right thing. So give us our space. We would appreciate you giving us advice, we will take it and do the right thing.”
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Four candidates, namely James Takavada, Leslie Gwindi, Philip Chiyangwa and Trevor Carelse Juul, are vying for the Zifa presidency, while Lincoln Mutasa and Omega Sibanda will fight it out for the vice-presidency.
Kasinauyo will battle it out with Wilfred Mukuna, Musa Mandaza, Piraishe Mabhena, Felton Kamambo, Beadle Gwasira, Joseph Musariri, Jackson Munyaka, Lewis Uriri and Philemon Machana for the four vacant board member positions.
