The allegations stem from ZIFA’s newly introduced election requirements, which mandate candidates to have at least five O’ Level passes. Banda’s arrest follows a review of his documents, where discrepancies were uncovered.
Forgery, Promises, and a UK Connection
Zimlive reports that Banda is a former ZIFA vice president and alleged beneficial owner of Tendy Tree Investments (TTI), the company which manages the parking for the city of Bulawayo. He allegedly collaborated with a known forger, Anele Zikhali, to produce a fake O’ Level certificate. The certificate purportedly showed that Banda passed seven subjects at Mpopoma High School in 1986.
To strengthen the credibility of the fraudulent document, Banda allegedly approached the headmistress of the school. In exchange for filing the certificate into the school’s 1986 records, he is said to have promised to assist her child in obtaining a COS for employment in the UK. He also allegedly promised to foot her travel and relocation costs.
However, the scheme was exposed when it was noted that the certificate referenced ZIMSEC examinations, which were not introduced until ten years later, in 1996. This glaring inconsistency highlighted the forgery and led to Banda’s arrest.
ZIFA Race Tightens Amid Scandal
The arrest has added a layer of drama to the ZIFA presidential race, which is set to take place in January. Other candidates in the running include Sakunda Holdings project manager Nqobile Magwizi, CAPS United president Farai Jere, businessman Gilbert Muponda, and UK-based entrepreneur Marshall Gore, among others.
Banda, a former Njube Lobengula MP and Bulawayo deputy mayor was considered a strong contender for the presidency. However, his campaign is now overshadowed by the scandal.
The new ZIFA regulations, which include a requirement for O’ Level qualifications, have been introduced to improve governance and leadership within Zimbabwean football.
Banda remains in custody at Western Commonage Police Station and is expected to appear in court soon. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
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