Gwindi blasts voters

Sport
Leslie Gwindi who lost the Zifa presidency to Cuthbert Dube yesterday said Zimbabwean football was headed for “disaster”.

Leslie Gwindi who lost the Zifa presidency to Cuthbert Dube yesterday said Zimbabwean football was headed for “disaster”.

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On the other hand, an ecstatic Dube hinted on standing for another term in 2018.

The new Zifa consitution which came into effect this year allows him to seek another term in the next elections.

Gwindi polled 10 votes to fall by the wayside in the first round of voting that failed to produce a two thirds majority win taking the plebiscite into a runoff where Dube beat Trevor Carelse-Juul 44-14. The two had emerged top in the first round. From the 58 councillors who voted, Nigel Munyati did not get any vote in the first round. Dube got 34 while Carelse-Juul polled 14.

“This is disaster,” said Gwindi.

“The football administrators still want more of the same and they will get it. I have never witnessed such a decision. It is an indictment to our game. Life goes on. I have an intriguing project at Harare City and I am going back there to do my job. We will win the league this year.”

Dube scripted another chapter in Zimbabwean football after getting another four-year mandate in a tense election. He would now be deputised by Omega Sibanda who beat Elkanah Dube 38-20.

Negotiating their way into the new board as board members were Tavengwa Hara who claimed 51 votes, Bernard Gwarada (48), John Phiri (42) and Fungai Chihuri (41) while Gladmore Muzambi came last with 32 votes.

Premier Soccer League chairman Twine Phiri and Zimbabwe Women’s Football boss Miriam Sibanda complete the board.

Tension was almost tangible as the 58 councillors cast their votes to choose the Zifa boss.Carelse-Juul could be seen murmuring in apparent meditation while throwing an occasional smile to the cameras and electorate during casting and counting of votes.

“Congratulations to those elected,” said Carelse-Juul after the announcement of results.

“I wish them well and Zimbabwean football well. Of course I would have liked to lead Zifa again but if this is not God’s will, I know another door will open. I am happy for the incredible support and to have participated after 21 years. I will continue to give support to both football and to the development of this country.”

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