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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA Bulawayo provincial chairman Francis Ntutha shrugged off a tame challenge to retain his post while former wrestler Allan Mpofu will deputise him.

Ntutha polled 14 votes to convincingly beat his two challengers Oscar Mazhambe and Mkhululi Mthunzi who managed to get a paltry two votes each.

The provincial elections were held over the weekend in four provinces after six candidates went in uncontested.

Making it into the top six Bulawayo football leadership were businessman Otrick Siziba, Madza Takawira, Paradzai Matuka and John Mutero while in Matabeleland North incumbent Dennis Chuma was contested and his deputy will be Ronald Mhlanga. Clevious Ncube, Busani Dube and Nelson Ndeka are the three executive committee members.

In Matabeleland South incumbent Nkosilathi Ncube will be a lone ranger as he was not only unchallenged but there were also no candidates for the other posts.

Former Premiership side FC Victoria boss Nobioth Magwizi bounced back into mainstream football administration as the Masvingo provincial chairman.

Speaking after his victory on Saturday, Ntutha, a veteran administrator who initially was in an acting capacity following the passing away of Washington Sithole, said his major thrust will be junior development.

“I would like to thank those who voted me into office as they showed the confidence that they have in me. It’s now back to serious business. Junior football development will be key in my administration,” said Ntutha.

Nominations for men and women regional elections opened on Monday and are set to close on September 17 while elections have tentatively been set for October 14.

Long-serving Southern Region chairman Musa Mandaza is expected to seek another mandate.

“The regional elections for the chairmanship won’t be an uncontested matter, believe me. A lot of campaigning is going on right now and very soon the nation will know the candidates,” said a source close to the regional football politics.