The former Zimbabwean Archbishop of Bulawayo, Pius Ncube, who recently resigned amid allegations of adultery, is reportedly preparing to run for presidency to overthrow current President Robert Mugabe.

According to reports Ncube is set to head up a sensational new political movement in Zimbabwe, and is likely to be a popular candidate in the elections next spring against controversial Mugabe.

Sources close to Ncube say his plans are already far advanced. Meetings have been held with the Zimbabwe African People's Union Federal party (ZAPU-FP) and the Patriotic Union of Matabeleland.

Other factions of the opposition are expected to back his move. More than 60 community-based civic organisations throughout the Matabeleland and Midlands provinces are also supporting what has been dubbed the 'Pius Ncube Solidarity Coalition'.

The region's First Post publication says: "Pius is determined to fight Mugabe on the political front. All along he has been supporting other candidates, but none of them has been able to topple Mugabe. So this time he is taking the bull by the horns."

Ncube allegedly told the First Post reporter: "I will issue a statement to answer your questions very soon."

The opposition to Mugabe in the African country has been left disheartened after Morgan Tsvangirai, the much-quoted opposition leader, has proved unable to unite the anti-Mugabe forces. Ncube is likely to rekindle hope in efforts to end Mugabe's rule.