Senior Reporter IF common sense prevails, the July 25 Premier Soccer League (PSL) elections should usher in a new era of leadership, with seasoned football administrators and proven club executives taking over the reins. The elections, slated for July 25, 2025 are expected to bring in fresh faces from clubs that have not previously held chairmanship positions to lead the country’s top-flight league from its headquarters at Number 36, Midlothian Ave, Eastlea, Harare. According to the ZIFA executive committee’s roadmap, the deadline for candidate submissions was last Friday, with the verified list of candidates set to be published on July 10 – 15 days ahead of the polls. The PSL is set to elect a new chairman, vice-chairman, and three emergency committee members, while the Zimbabwe Women Soccer League will choose a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and five board members. As nominations closed last Friday, three candidates from Manica Diamonds, Simba Bhora, and FC Platinum had thrown their hats into the ring for the PSL top job. Masimba Chihowa of Manica Diamonds, Isaiah Mupfurutsa of Simba Bhora, and Dumisani Siwale (FC Platinum) are vying to succeed Farai Jere, the outgoing PSL president, who stepped down in December, and has opted not to seek re-election. Although the official list of candidates is yet to be released, Post Sport has learnt that Highlanders’ Kenneth Mhlophe is set to become the new vice-chairperson, unopposed. Meanwhile, several candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for the emergency committee positions, including Oscar Nduwure (TelOne), Moses Maunganidze (Dynamos), Leonard Musariri (Ngezi Platinum), Mike Mushava (Bikita Minerals), and Fredson Moyo (GreenFuel). Chihowa, one of the most experienced and exposed individuals in the PSL leadership, has been a long-serving member of the emergency committee. However, as with any election, the outcome will ultimately depend on the numbers. Chihowa is likely to benefit from regional allegiance, which often plays a significant role in national football elections, potentially securing him four votes even before he utters a word in electioneering campaign. His club, Manica Diamonds, GreenFuel, Bikita Minerals and Triangle have an identical eastern region umbilical cord, and barring any petty personal differences, and of course, vote buying, these should be his votes. Four to the good for Chihowa! Yadah is yet another vote for Chihowa, in my opinion. No one needs no reminder that the club owes its Premiership football participation to the Eastern Region, and this could be an opportune time to thank the region for its progression. Five to the good for Chihowa! Herentals FC are owned by Mutasa Central legislator, Innocent Benza, and has a strong bond, not only with the Eastern Region, but the City of Mutare, where Chihowa is resident. Benza has been actively involved in women and lower league in Manicaland, and chances are high that he would opt for his homeboy to take over the reins. Six to the good for Chihowa! MWOS are likely to vote for Chihowa, given the documented bad blood between them and Scotland, and are unlikely to support Isaiah Mupfurutsa. Knowing the good relationship between Scotland and Simba Bhora, it makes sense for MWOS to vote for a team with no ties with Scotland. This gives Chihowa a seven-vote advantage! With these seven votes, Chihowa is highly likely to become the next PSL chairman, as the other two candidates will share the remaining 11 votes. Mupfurutsa – a Simba Bhora FC official – will likely secure votes from Simba Bhora, Dynamos, Highlanders, and Scotland. He is also expected to receive sympathy votes from Dynamos and Highlanders due to the Sakunda connection, as well as Scotland’s vote, thanks to his club’s ties with the Scot Sakupwanya-bankrolled team. On the other hand, Siwale is likely to secure votes from FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum, leveraging their shared platinum connection. Additionally, TelOne and Kwekwe United might also throw their weight behind him if they opt to play the regional card. This leaves CAPS United, Chicken Inn, and ZPC Kariba as the swing votes. With effective campaigning, these three votes can be split among the candidates, potentially securing eight votes for Chihowa and paving the way for his victory. Done and dusted!