Susan Mutami Urges ZIFA to Disqualify Temba Mliswa from Presidential Race

 

Susan Mutami, the former partner of Zimbabwean politician Temba Mliswa, has publicly urged the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to disqualify Mliswa from its upcoming presidential elections, citing concerns over his personal conduct and suitability for the role.

Using her X account, Mutami accused Mliswa, who is the father of her three-year-old son Tinotenda, of irresponsibility and neglect. She questioned his ability to lead ZIFA, referencing her personal experiences and alleging a pattern of behavior that she believes disqualifies him from holding a "prestigious position."

“Dear @online_zifa, I have a son with aspiring ZIFA President Temba Mliswa. I just wanted to notify you that he holds no decorum to hold such a prestigious position and is an irresponsible father,” Mutami wrote.

Mutami claimed that Mliswa has not contributed financially to their son’s upbringing while publicly portraying an image of generosity.

“To date, he has never contributed a single cent towards Tino’s upkeep. I’m surprised he’s even printing out t-shirts and buying you guys lunch when Tinotenda, who’s now 3 years old, is living at the mercy of the Australian government,” she stated.

Mutami extended her criticism beyond parenting, expressing fears over Mliswa's potential impact on ZIFA if elected. She alleged that his leadership could endanger female soccer players and staff, citing a lack of respect for women.

“You will be putting all your female soccer players and office staff at risk of being taken advantage of... Before you know it, the whole team and office administrators will be pregnant by Temba,” she claimed.

Mutami also raised concerns about the reputational damage to ZIFA and the potential strain on international relations, particularly with stakeholders like the Australian government.

“How do you expect our Mama Cash at the embassy, who has a heavy purse that can change the face of the nation’s football fraternity, to sit down and have a productive meeting with Temba Mliswa? Please don’t betray women,” she warned.

Mliswa’s bid for the ZIFA presidency, scheduled for next year, has already garnered significant attention. Mutami’s public remarks add to the growing scrutiny of his candidacy and may influence public perception ahead of the election.

While Mliswa has yet to respond to the allegations, the controversy has brought fresh focus to the standards of leadership required to steer Zimbabwe’s football governing body.