BULAWAYO – Gift Banda, the former interim president of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), was arrested yesterday over accusations that he forged an Ordinary Level (O-Level) certificate to qualify for the upcoming football elections. The 54-year-old businessman was detained overnight at Western Commonage Police Station.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that Banda is accused of submitting a falsified certificate claiming he passed O-Level exams at Mpopoma High School in 1986. The certificate allegedly originates from an examination authority that was not established until 1996.
In addition to Banda’s arrest, authorities also apprehended Anele Zikhali, a Bulawayo resident, who is suspected of producing the fake certificate. Commissioner Nyathi noted that further details on the investigation would be disclosed in the coming days.
This arrest comes just as Banda was preparing to contest the ZIFA elections, which are scheduled for early 2025. Candidates for the election are required to have at least five O-Level passes. This requirement aims to ensure that ZIFA leadership meets a minimum educational standard.
“We are conducting thorough investigations into this matter,” Nyathi stated, highlighting that the alleged forgery was likely an attempt to meet the election’s educational criteria.
Banda, a prominent businessman with strong political and business ties, had emerged as a leading contender for the ZIFA presidency. His arrest has sent shockwaves through the leadership circles of the organization, with sources suggesting the controversy could destabilize the upcoming election process.
Known for his ventures in Bulawayo and a collection of luxury vehicles, Banda has previously served as both the ZIFA vice-president and interim president.
The alleged forgery has raised questions about the integrity of the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC), which has managed the country’s O-Level certification since 1996. Any certificate predating that year would not have been issued by ZIMSEC, making Banda’s alleged 1986 certificate highly suspect.
Football analysts believe the scandal could prompt a wider review of candidate credentials within Zimbabwe’s sports organizations. “This arrest raises serious concerns about the verification processes in our sports bodies,” said Thomas Moyo, a sports governance expert at the University of Zimbabwe.
Local football clubs have also voiced concern over the implications for ZIFA’s leadership. “We need clear leadership now more than ever,” said Marcus Ndlovu, chairman of a premier league club who asked to remain anonymous. “This situation brings unnecessary uncertainty to our football administration.”
Commissioner Nyathi reassured the public that the police are committed to upholding integrity in public institutions. “We will thoroughly investigate any allegations of document forgery, regardless of the individual’s status,” he affirmed.
The case has attracted the attention of regional football bodies, with other African associations monitoring the situation closely. Similar eligibility requirements exist within other African football federations, and this case may set a significant precedent.
Both Banda and Zikhali remain in custody while investigations continue. Police are expected to provide further details about the case soon, including potential charges and court appearance dates.
If convicted of forging an academic certificate, Banda could face severe penalties under Zimbabwe’s criminal law, including imprisonment and fines.
As the ZIFA elections approach, the election committee has yet to comment on how this case might impact the process, which is set to take place in the first quarter of 2025.
