Twine Phiri Biography | Career as a Football Administrator | Arrest for Child Maintenance | ZIFA Elections 2025
This is the biography of Twine Phiri, a Zimbabwean businessman and former football administrator. He previously owned CAPS United Football Club and served as the Chairman of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Background
Early Life
Phiri grew up in Matererini Flats in Mbare, Harare. During his youth, he worked as a kit boy for the late Shackman “Mr Goals” Tauro, a CAPS United legend.
Education
Phiri attended Mt Pleasant High School in Harare.
Football Administration Career
CAPS United Ownership
Phiri became involved with CAPS United Football Club in 2000 through his company Twin-Con, entering into a partnership with Caps Holdings. He acquired a 50% stake in the club for $900,000, outbidding businessman Daniel Shumba.
Initially, Shepherd Bwanya remained chairman while Phiri gained experience within the club. In the same year, Phiri took over as Chairman at the age of 29. When Caps Holdings sold its remaining stake in 2001, Phiri became the full owner and Club President.
Under his leadership, CAPS United won back-to-back Premier Soccer League titles in 2004 and 2005—the first time the club had achieved this milestone since its formation in 1973.
Financial Challenges and Exit
Due to financial difficulties in 2015, Phiri transferred the majority shareholding in CAPS United to Farai Jere, retaining only a 20% stake. He eventually sold his remaining stake in February 2016, marking his departure from football management.
ZIFA Elections 2025
Phiri contested the ZIFA presidency in the 25 January 2025 elections but lost to Nqobile Magwizi. Alongside Philemon Machana, Phiri challenged the election outcome at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), citing alleged interference by businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who had pledged $1 million in sponsorship and offered personal vehicles to electors if they voted for Magwizi.
However, the duo later withdrew their appeal, stating that they wanted to allow the new executive committee to operate on a clean and uncontested slate.
Also read: Kennedy Ndebele Biography | Children | Education | Career as a Football Administrator
Controversies
Family Disputes
Phiri was involved in a legal dispute with his mother-in-law, who approached the civil court seeking maintenance for his daughter’s school fees. Reports indicated that he owed US$1,200 in unpaid school fees.
Maintenance Arrears
In March 2017, Phiri was sentenced to 10 months in prison by Harare Magistrate Lazini Ncube for failing to pay $24,000 in maintenance arrears owed to his ex-wife, Keresiya Phiri. He was given until May 30, 2017, to settle the amount and avoid jail time.
Phiri claimed his financial difficulties stemmed from money owed to him by CAPS United.
References
