Could ZBF Elections Strings be Too Tight for Candi...

Could ZBF Elections Strings be Too Tight for Candidates to Qualify?

Gilbert Munetsi - Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Boxing Federation has released its final formal elections template ahead of its much-anticipated Annual General Meeting scheduled to take place in Gweru next month. The positions to be contested for are that of president, his deputy and secretary-general, while the treasurer is a head-hunted personality, preferably with an accounting background.

Prior to ZBF availing the final document to Zim Now on request, there had been a leaked communique doing circles within the boxing circles which the administration said was yet to be polished.

And while the newly-published electoral roadmap brings clarity to an issue that had riled stakeholders across the boxing landscape, the framework has raised fresh concerns over stringent candidacy requirements that may shut out willing and capable participants.

ZBF president Festus Dumbu confirmed that timelines have been tweaked to ensure the entire electoral process is completed by September 27, with nominations now closing on August 15.

Vetting and confirmation will follow up to August 25, and an extended two-week campaign period will run until September 19, ahead of elections scheduled for September 20.

Though the official nomination form is yet to be circulated to provincial affiliates, its content—reviewed by Zim Now—suggests a rigorous vetting process that could be more of a gatekeeper than a fair screening tool.

Among the controversial requirements is that a nominee must be proposed and seconded by officials currently holding positions either at ZBF or provincial level—a stipulation that critics say entrenches an inner-circle dynamic and alienates fresh voices from outside the existing power structures.

This condition risks turning the federation into a revolving door for the same old faces rather than a platform for new ideas and leadership renewal.

Additionally, the nomination form demands that candidates be “compliant with the ZBF Elections Template”—a broad and vague stipulation that offers little guidance on what “compliance” entails. Without clearer criteria, this could open the door for subjective disqualification of nominees.

“In a sport that is yearning for revival, empowerment, and fresh thinking, we should be cautious of creating barriers masquerading as procedure,” said one stakeholder who preferred anonymity. “The boxing community is already too small to be exclusive.”

In Harare, names of potential candidates are already circulating in gym halls and WhatsApp groups. Chief among them is former WBC Silver champion Charles Manyuchi, whose decorated international career and grassroots influence have made him a compelling figure for leadership.

Many believe that with the right team, Manyuchi could usher in a new era of professionalism, athlete welfare, and international recognition.

But will he—or any other newcomer—be allowed a fighting chance?

What’s more, there's a lingering concern over the transparency of the entire process. While the dates have been publicized, the full elections template – with just a week to close nominations - has not yet been shared with stakeholders across all provinces, raising questions of inclusivity and fair participation.

As the ZBF marches toward its AGM, the spotlight is not only on who will be elected but also on how. With pressure mounting from stakeholders for greater accountability and democratic practice, the federation has a chance to prove its commitment to transparency and reform.

The ball is now in their corner.