The Sunday Mail
Tariro Charandura Religion Writer
SO who would have known that flamboyant businessman and Zifa president, Phillip Chiyangwa was once a member of the apostolic sect Guta RaJehova. The Chegutu raised former Member of Parliament seems to have an ability of being successful in what he sets his eyes on.
While his faith is undoubted only we didn’t know where it lies until the ‘king of selfies’ released a selfie in prayer mode thanking God for giving him success for all that he does.
Just as he expresses confidence in his work, the video which went viral on social media revealed a Phillip Chiyangwa confident in a God who doesn’t let him down.
On being probed about his faith last Wednesday, the Council of Southern Africa Football Association (Cosafa) boss said he grew up in a family with strong Christian values.
“I was born in a Christian family and I attended Guta raJehova Church which was founded by Mai Chaza in Zvimba,” he said.
Guta RaJehovah was founded by the late Mai Chaza who started her healing work in 1954 and was based in Seke until she moved to Zvimba. She is believed by her followers to have been a host of God’s Holy Spirit or God incarnate.
Chiyangwa said that, “people have different perceptions on religion and this varies with individuals. But I for one attended Guta ra Jehova Church that wears khaki uniforms and belts.”
His ties with church activities have not been that weak either.
In March last year the business tycoon donated a stand to Reverend Togarepi Chivariro at his album launch in the capital.
Chiyangwa said he was in love with the musician’s hit song “Ebenezer” prompting to give him a stand.
In addition he took his belated birthday celebrations to Spirit Embassy in the UK where he met the leader prophet Uebert Angel.
It is no doubt that Chiyangwa is one person who has demonstrated faith with its works if his achievements are anything to go by.
And all these have come against all odds.
In late December of 2015, Chiyangwa was elected the Zifa president defeating Trevor Carelse Juul, Leslie Gwindi and James Takavada.
Basking from that glory and just two months after he was appointed to one of Caf’s sub committees — the Under 20 Championships organising committee.
A year later he then went on to pursue the position of the president of Cosafa which he got without being opposed.
He went on to forge important relations which saw the Fifa president Gianno Infantino visiting the country last month.
Perhaps his greatest leap of faith in football so far has been his role in ousting the long serving Issa Hayatou at the helm of the presidency of Confederation of Africa Football.
Chiyangwa as campaign manager canvassed support for the new Caf president, Ahmad Ahmad ending the 29 year long grip the Cameroonian had on the continental football organisation.
While the Bible says money answereth all things, added to that Chiyangwa seems to apply the definition of faith as provided for by Hebrews 11:1 which states that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”.
