Fresh Allegations Link Walter Magaya to Campaign to Disrupt ZIFA Before AFCON

A covert scheme to create turmoil within the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and unsettle the national team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations is being funded by prominent businessman and prophet Walter Magaya, according to insider allegations.

A confidential ZIFA source has told local publication , that Magaya is financially backing a faction of association councillors in a coordinated effort to paralyze the leadership of President Nqobile Magwizi.

The councillors, allegedly accommodated at Magaya’s Yadah Hotel, are reportedly compensated to systematically block every decision attempted by the executive committee.

“The executive is under a funded, internal siege,” the source said.

“Their every move is countered by this group, whose allegiance is to Magaya, not to football.”

The plot is said to extend into the public domain, with the recent fierce criticism over the new Warriors kit being characterized as a manufactured crisis.

A source insisted the jersey design process was fair and credible, suggesting the timing of the outrage is politically motivated.

“The jersey controversy is a calculated distraction, fueled by paid media and social media influencers,” the source said.

“The goal isn’t to critique a kit, but to undermine ZIFA’s authority at every turn.”

Further accusations indicate Magaya’s group also opposed the hiring of national coach Marian Mario Marinica, reinforcing a pattern of obstruction.

The source connected the current allegations to Magaya’s past controversies with ZIFA, including his removal from electoral rolls over academic credential fraud.

“This is a recurring script. Magaya’s camp is actively undermining stability,” the source added.

As the Warriors prepare for December’s AFCON in Morocco, these allegations point to a destabilizing power struggle playing out off the field.

Both ZIFA and Walter Magaya, owner of Yadah FC, were unavailable for official comment.

Magaya has consistently described his football involvement as supportive and charitable, denying past accusations of political meddling.

With kickoff approaching, the focus may be forced to split between the tournament in Morocco and the escalating political conflict threatening Zimbabwean football from within.