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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

WITH the Zifa elections looming, Zimbabwean football legend Peter Ndlovu has hinted at running for the country’s top football job.

Several potential candidates have emerged, including Walter Magaya, Marshall Gore, Ellen Chiwenga, Brighton “Panjap” Ushendibaba, Richard Mazodze, Martin Kweza and Twine Phiri.

Ndlovu’s social media interactions suggest he may join the race.

When urged to run for president, by one football follower on X (formerly Twitter), Ndlovu said: “When the topic is about the beautiful game, I have more hours to listen, to discuss and learn more. It can only better my understanding of football as a whole playing, coaching, administration and more.”

Walter Magaya

The former Warriors striker also has a video circulating online with former legislator Temba Mliswa.

“What is important is for us to bring back football to be in its position. The only way to do that is through togetherness and relationships. Will keep you updated, but football is coming home,” said Ndlovu.

The Zifa elections are set to be held early next year and Ndlovu is already among the front runners.

Ndlovu was the first captain to take Zimbabwe to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

He is also the first African to play in the English Premier League.

He debuted in the Queens Land for Coventry City in 1992 and scored his first goal in the league on September 2, 1992. During his time at Coventry City, he made 176 appearances and scored 39 goals, earning a reputation for his speed and skill, which left a significant impact on the Premier League.

Ellen Chiwenga

Following his tenure at Coventry, Peter Ndlovu continued to shine at Birmingham City, where he scored 23 goals in 106 appearances.

His journey then took him to Sheffield United, where he added another 25 goals in 135 appearances. Beyond his club career, he was a key player for the Warriors, earning 100 caps and scoring 37 goals. He represented Zimbabwe in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, further solidifying his legacy on the international stage.

He remains the highest-scoring Zimbabwean in English football history, with 34 Premier League goals. His pioneering role paved the way for many African players in the Premier League, making him a significant figure in both Zimbabwean and African football history.

In keeping with tradition, any Zifa election always torch wild interest from within the football family and various stakeholders.

Before Zifa Normalisation Committee (NC) chairman Lincoln Mutasa has even opened his nomination court, the game has in the last few weeks been abuzz with speculation on who could become the next substantive Zifa president following Felton Kamambo’s ouster in 2022.

There are no official candidates yet for the Zifa presidency but that too has not deterred social media from going viral with speculation while even chancers and opportunists have shown interest in the post.

But the onus in any Members Club has always been, with its bona fide membership who form the electoral college.

Similarly, the privilege in the Zifa processes will be on the councillors to bring finality to the constitutional review process that has gone on for nearly four years.

Meanwhile, the senior Zimbabwe women’s football team, the Mighty Warriors lost to Mozambique 1-0 in their first match of the 2025 Cosafa Cup Championship that was played at Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth South Africa yesterday.
Zimbabwe were drawn in Group D with Mozambique and Lesotho.

Zimbabwe will meet Lesotho on Sunday.

The Mighty Warriors are led by Sithethelelwe Sibanda who is assisted by Primrose Serima and Onai Chingawo. Debra Green is the team manager and Margaret Maulana is the team doctor.

South Africa has won seven of the previous 11 Cosafa Women’s Championships. Zimbabwe (2011), Tanzania (2021) and Zambia (2022) also lifted the trophy. -@innocentskizoe