Magaya Loses Court Case Against ZIFA

Posted by admin on 2025-01-24 04:25:38 | Last Updated by admin on 2025-10-30 19:43:50

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By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA

In a significant development, Justice Tawanda Chitapi has thrown out Prophet Walter Magaya's urgent application, effectively ending his hopes of contesting the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential elections scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2025.

In his ruling, Justice Chitapi emphasized that Magaya failed to provide conclusive evidence of his academic qualifications, specifically his O-level certificate or its equivalent . Despite submitting a diploma, Magaya's lawyers argued that it was a higher qualification, but Justice Chitapi countered that holding a degree does not exempt one from producing an O-level certificate.

The judge also expressed frustration with Magaya's lack of transparency, stating that the applicant should have been more forthcoming about his qualifications .

"The issue cannot just be resolved by prayer," Justice Chitapi remarked, highlighting the need for concrete evidence.

Magaya's disqualification stems from his failure to meet the minimum academic requirements outlined in the ZIFA statutes, which mandate a pass with 5 O-levels ². The High Court's decision upholds the ZIFA electoral committee's initial ruling, dealing a significant blow to Magaya's presidential ambitions.

As the ZIFA elections approach, the focus will now shift to the remaining candidates, with the football fraternity eagerly awaiting the outcome of the polls.