The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and the Head Coach of Tanzania, Adel Amrouche, have been charged by the CAF Disciplinary Board for bringing CAF into disrepute. This follows comments made by Amrouche about the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) and allegations of Morocco having influence in CAF to manipulate match scheduling and officiating. Amrouche’s remarks were criticised by officials from RMFF, leading to an eight-match suspension for the coach and a fine of $10,000 for the TFF.
As a result of the suspension, Tanzania has suspended Amrouche and appointed Hemed Suleiman Ali as the interim coach. Tanzania is participating in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and aims to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
Amrouche had previously criticised the influence of RMFF in African football but later retracted his comments, acknowledging Morocco’s success and abilities as a team.
On Tuesday, the TFF distanced itself from Amrouche’s statements, emphasizing that they do not agree with his comments and that CAF follows its own procedures without influence from any country. TFF president Wallace Karia said in a video posted by Azam TV:
<blockquote>
We as [the] TFF do not agree with his comments.
Those are his own personal sentiments as a coach. We are Caf members, and we know Caf follows its own procedures without influence from any country.
The TFF and the Moroccan football federation are friends.
</blockquote>
The interim coach will lead the team in their upcoming matches, including their second group game against Zambia.
Amrouche had been appointed as Tanzania’s coach in March 2023, and this is their third appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

CAF Suspends And Fines Tanzania's Head Coach For Disparaging Remarks On Moroccan Football Federation

Kirsty Coventry, the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, has appealed to the treasury for funding to develop sporting infrastructure in Zimbabwe. The country currently faces the issue of dilapidated sports facilities due to neglect from both local and central governments. This has resulted in Zimbabwean football teams having to host international games outside the country.
Coventry urged the treasury to allocate grants for the refurbishment of sports infrastructure during a report to members of parliament at a pre-budget seminar. <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/sports-minister-coventry-begs-treasury-for-infrastructure-development/">NewZimbawe.com</a> reported citing Coventry’s report:
<blockquote>
 It is now time the nation should embark on or seriously consider significant investment in Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture for sustainable national development, pride, peace and security.
The sectors will never be the same again once the sport, recreation, arts and culture are afforded the requisite resources which include, appropriate workspaces, finances (working capital, concessionary loans and grants), machinery, equipment, land and skills.
</blockquote>
Every year, the Minister of Finance, Mthuli, provides funding to the Sports Ministry for infrastructure development. However, this funding has been criticised as being insufficient.
The National Sports Stadium, owned and administered by the central government, has been flagged by FIFA, and Minister Coventry’s promises to refurbish it to meet international standards have not been successful.
The parliamentary portfolio committee on Sports, Arts, and Culture has recommended focusing on the National Sports Stadium and the nearby Magamba hockey field. Coventry has proposed a blueprint to improve the country’s infrastructure. She suggests that if resources allow, additional funding should be provided to these sectors, either in the form of concessional loans or grants. Furthermore, she believes that funding for capital expenditure and office equipment should be prioritised to ensure effective service delivery.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2021/10/18/caf-to-ban-nss-after-warriors-final-2022-wcq/">condemned and banned all stadiums in Zimbabwe</a> from hosting international matches. This decision was made because the stadiums did not meet CAF’s requirements. CAF stated that the stadiums need to have bucket seats made of a strong and fire-resistant material. The owners of the stadiums are also required to set up a Venue Operations Centre (VOC) that provides a clear view of the stadiums and has CCTV monitors. The VOC should have the ability to make emergency announcements through the public address system. CAF also stated that the stadiums should have modern electronic turnstiles and automated systems.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Minister Coventry Appeals To Treasury For Funding To Develop Sporting Infrastructure

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has started the African Schools Football Championship after an invitation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The championship, which is funded by the Motsepe Foundation, is for boys and girls aged 12 to 15 and has national, zonal, and continental phases.
In a statement seen by Pidula News, ZIFA said it is working with various ministries and associations to ensure the event’s success. The national phase will be held in October 2023, and the top teams will proceed to the zonal phase in December. The championship aims to develop young talent, support aspiring referees and journalists, and provide training opportunities for teachers and medical personnel. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h3>𝙕𝑰𝙁𝑨 𝒍𝙖𝒖𝙣𝒄𝙝 𝘾𝑨𝙁 𝘼𝒇𝙧𝒊𝙘𝒂𝙣 𝙎𝒄𝙝𝒐𝙤𝒍𝙨 𝙁𝒐𝙤𝒕𝙗𝒂𝙡𝒍 𝑪𝙝𝒂𝙢𝒑𝙞𝒐𝙣𝒔𝙝𝒊𝙥</h3>
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has launched the national phase of the African Schools Football Championship, following an invitation by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to participate in the development program funded by the Motsepe Foundation. 
The championship is designed for school-going boys and girls aged between 12 and 15. The competition is divided into three phases: national, zonal, and continental respectively.
ZIFA has partnered with the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education; National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH); National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH); Association Of Trust Schools (ATS), as well as the Zimbabwe Independent Colleges Association (ZICA) to ensure the success of the event.
The national phase will take place on the 27th and 28th of October 2023 at Allan Wilson High School in Harare.
Sixteen select teams (eight boys teams and eight girls teams) will participate in the tournament. Scouts and coaches will select the U15 boys and girls national teams that will represent Zimbabwe at the zonal phase scheduled for December 2023 at a venue yet to be announced.
The African Schools Football Championship aims to enhance young talent development while empowering budding footballers.
It also seeks to support schoolchildren aspiring towards careers such as refereeing or journalism through mentorship programs tailored specifically for them.
The programme will give school teachers an opportunity to train for the CAF D coaching licence while medical personnel and safeguarding officers will also be trained.
</blockquote>
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ZIFA Launches CAF African Schools Football Championship Funded By Motsepe Foundation

Katlego Danke, a South African actress who plays Thati in TV Series Gomora, has denied “unfounded and malicious rumours” doing the rounds on social media that she is dating businessman Patrice Motsepe.
The actress says she has enlisted the services of a lawyer to institute a defamation suit against those circulating and perpetuating the rumours. She said:
<blockquote>
Papers will soon be served on various individuals identified as culprits in this regard.
</blockquote>
Several South African <a href="https://briefly.co.za/entertainment/gossip/154531-mzansi-billionaire-patrice-motsepe-allegedly-gomora-actress-katlego-dankes-baby-daddy/">media outlets</a> reported that Danke was in a relationship with the CAF president, South Africa’s richest black man. She also trended on Twitter.
In a statement released earlier this week, Motsepe denied reports that he is the father of Danke’s baby, calling them untrue and manufactured news. Senior litigation partner at the firm Tim Gordon-Grant said:
<blockquote>
On behalf of Dr Patrice Motsepe, we put on record that the allegation in the media that Dr Patrice Motsepe has children or a relationship with Ms Katlego Danke are absolutely false and fake news.
</blockquote>
The one-page statement also “noted” an article in which Danke had clarified Motsepe was not the father of her child.
Gordon-Grant continued, saying the claims were defamatory and exposed the people who spread “these unfounded and false claims” to legal culpability claims.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Gomora Actress Katlego Danke Speaks On Reports She's Dating Patrice Motsepe

United States-based former Zimbabwe Warriors goalkeeper, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tatenda_Mukuruva">Tatenda Mukuruva</a> has bemoaned the FIFA ban on Zimbabwe saying players are losing time, chances and opportunities.
FIFA imposed a ban on Zimbabwe for political interference with the sport after the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) removed the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Felton_Kamambo">Felton Kamambo</a>-led <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Football_Association_(ZIFA)">ZIFA</a> board.
SRC cited corruption and sexual abuses of female match officials by members of the ZIFA board. FIFA is adamant that it won’t remove the ban until Kamambo and his team have been reinstated. 
On the other hand, SRC is refusing to give in adding that engaging FIFA is not a priority at the moment. 
Meanwhile, Mukuruva, a former Dynamos goalkeeper says some players are getting old and missing the opportunity to take their careers higher. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s very sad to see what’s happening to our beautiful game of football in Zim, the ban on all our national and local teams from participating in international football competitions is a shame. It’s high time that our leaders or parties involved to sit down and resolve all these conflicts to save our football…
Football players are losing time, chances and all opportunities to be recognized internationally to further our careers. How do we expect as a nation to compete at the highest level of football when the talented young generation’s dreams are being shattered by things that can be easily solved?
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_National_Football_Team">Warriors</a> were recently <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/05/24/zimbabwe-expelled-from-2023-afcon-qualifiers/">barred from participating in the 2023 AFCON</a> qualifying tournament and were later disqualified from the CHAN qualifiers.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Tatenda Mukuruva Says Football Players Are Losing Due To FIFA Ban On Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) says it is not in a hurry to engage the world football governing body, FIFA, for re-admission.
While speaking at the inaugural ZIFA strategic meeting held in Bulawayo this Saturday, the chairperson of the ZIFA Strategic Committee, Alois Masepe said that the whole exercise derived powers from the emergency extraordinary congress. 
<a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/no-rush-to-engage-caf-and-fifa-says-zifa/">ZBC News</a> cites Masepe as saying:
<blockquote>
We are in a football mess, no doubt about it, but look, we have said before we go and engage with football authorities, we need to sort our football infrastructure and grassroots structures.
More importantly, gone are the days of viewing football as an entertainment, it is an industry. No one would want to see our national team playing home matches in South Africa or Zambia, hence we are saying let us identify stakeholders and receive submissions on the type of ZIFA they all want.
</blockquote>
Responding to a question which demanded to know how ZIFA was going to address calls to reinstate the Felton Kamambo-led ZIFA executive, Masepe said no one challenged the constitutionality of the EGM which installed the interim ZIFA board, “hence what we are doing is constitutional.”
Zimbabwe remains banned from international football tournaments as FIFA and CAF are adamant that the southern African country first needs to reinstate Felton Kamambo as ZIFA president.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIFA Says It's Not In A Hurry To Engage FIFA For Re-admission

Former Warriors midfielder Edelbert Dinha has urged the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) to end its standoff with ZIFA to enable the Warriors to participate in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers starting next month.
Zimbabwe has been suspended by Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) over government interference in ZIFA issues.
The ban means the Warriors could miss out on the Afcon qualifiers if the suspended board members led by Felton Kamambo are not reinstated.
The warring parties have two weeks to sort themselves out before the Warriors are kicked out of the qualifiers where they are billed to compete with Morocco, South Africa and Liberia for two places at the finals that will be hosted by Egypt.
The SRC, led by Gerald Mlotshwa, is unlikely to reverse its decision after Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation minister Kirsty Coventry pointed out that the allegations of misappropriation of public funds and sexual harassment should be tested before the courts.
Dinha, a former Caps United, Ajax Cape Town, Seven Stars, Orlando Pirates and Mpumalanga Black Aces midfielder, said he was unsettled by the prospect of the Warriors missing out on the Afcon.
The 49-year-old, who is now a football agent for Shumba Sports Management in South Africa, said:
<blockquote>
It is sad (the prospect of missing out on Afcon), but the SRC also wants to see order at ZIFA and that is why they went ahead with the suspension.
At the end of the day, football administrators and the SRC must sit down and fix whatever needs to be fixed so that the people of Zimbabwe can enjoy watching their team playing in major tournaments.
</blockquote>
Dinha, who was part of the 2006 Warriors team that competed at Afcon in Egypt, said it is every player’s dream to play for his country but the management of finances “can be a stumbling block to them.”
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/05/dinha-calls-out-src/">NewsDay</a>

Former Warriors Midfielder Dinha Urges SRC To End Standoff With ZIFA

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sports_and_Recreation_Commission">Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC)</a> has responded to a letter written by FIFA notifying the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Football_Association_(ZIFA)">Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)</a> that Zimbabwe had been suspended from international football. SRC said it will not be reinstating the suspended ZIFA board as directed by FIFA saying the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Felton_Kamambo">Felton Kamambo</a> administration is facing a number of charges which they need to be acquitted of first. Pindula News presents SRC statement:
<blockquote>
Correspondence from FIFA, dated the 24th instant, addressed to the suspended ZIFA General Secretary purporting to suspend the Country’s national football association as a member of the FIFA ‘family’ is noted.
In essence, it appears that FIFA is constrained by the provisions of its own statutes to protect certain of the undoubted sexual predators, fraudsters, and corrupt administrators at the helm of football administration in Zimbabwe.
All this in the name of shielding ZIFA from, to quote FIFA in its letter “undue interference from a third party,”
It is a fact that some of these administrators are facing, inter alia, charges of sexual harassment, bribery, fraud and general corruption before Zimbabwe’s Courts.
FIFA has the full details of these matters.
It is clear that FIFA has interpreted these very serious charges as ‘mere allegations’ notwithstanding its “… zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, sexual abuse and any other unethical conduct.”
Both FIFA and CAF are fully aware of an insidious culture of sexual harassment perpetrated against female football referees in Zimbabwe.
For the eighteen months lapsed since these allegations were brought to their respective attention, neither body has initiated any tangible investigation focused on culprits whose names are known to them.
The instances of fraud and corruption within the corridors of ZIFA have also been brought to the attention of FIFA, who have placed on record their extreme reluctance to involve themselves in remedying this deplorable state of affairs.
The SRC has a documented and demonstrable “… zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, sexual abuse and any other unethical conduct,” in the administration of sport in Zimbabwe. It does not pay mere lip service to the same.
We, at the SRC, act decisively within the confines of the laws of Zimbabwe, in particular, the Sports &amp; Recreation Commission Act as well as the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.
Board of Commissioners
Chairman Gerald Mlotshwa. Dr Allen Chiura, Colleen de Jong. Gail Van Jaarsveldt, Karen Mutasa. Niga/ Munyati. Titus Zvomuya and Sebastain Garikai (Acting Director-General) 
FIFA statutes are not a part of the laws of Zimbabwe Conversely ZIFA and indeed all other national sports associations in the country are subject to the laws of Zimbabwe.
It is for this reason that they, and their respective constitutions, are registered with the SRC. FIFA recognizes ZIFA as the sole governing body for football administration in Zimbabwe by virtue of its registration with the SRC.
It is on this basis that it is admitted as a member of the ‘FIFA Family’ by FIFA.
The SRC will hold a press conference with the media on Monday, 28th February, 2022, at a time to be advised, in order to render more fully its views on the correspondence from FIFA and more importantly, to advise Zimbabweans of its road map on football and ZIFA for the duration of 2022.
It suffices to quote, for the time being, a perceptive message received from CAF President. Patrice Motsepe: –
“…We remain committed to finding a solution that respects the sovereignty and legal issues that you raised and is in accordance with the statutes and regulations of FIFA and CAF…”
Pending any such compromise, the ZIFA Executive Committee and the General Secretary shall remain suspended. The various matters pending before the Courts in Zimbabwe shall continue as shall the criminal proceedings and all other actions focused on restructuring football in our Country.
Domestic football will continue in Zimbabwe It will be supported fully by the SRC, as has been the demonstrable case thus far ZIFA will return to the “FIFA Family” when it is in a condition fit to do so.
By order of the Board
Gerald N. Mlotshwa 
CHAIRMAN
24”’ February. 2022 
</blockquote>
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SRC Responds To FIFA Suspension Of Zimbabwe From International Football

The ZIFA Congress members, who are pushing for an emergency general meeting (EGM) which could culminate in the dismissal of some board members yesterday said they were unfazed by the suspension of their colleagues by the suspended Felton Kamambo-led executive.
Nine of the 27 members who signed a petition calling for an EGM that had been set for Saturday, but had to be shelved after FIFA intervened, were served with suspension letters at the weekend over varying charges.
These include Caps United director Nhamo Tutisani, Dynamos chairperson Isaiah Mupfurutsa, Highlanders boss Johnfat Sibanda, Martin Kweza and Sweeny Mushonga, both from the Northern Region, Derrick Matapure, Mashonaland West and David Muchena from the Eastern Region.
Nobioth Magwizi (Masvingo) and Moses Chikoti (Northern Region) were also served with suspension letters.
ZIFA staff members, Xolisani Gwesela and national teams manager Wellington Mupandare were suspended for among other things appointing a national team coach ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon while Premier Soccer League boss Kenny Ndebele was suspended for his role in setting up meetings.
The councillors Monday scoffed at the suspensions, arguing that the ZIFA board was suspended by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and, therefore, could not act on behalf of the association.
They said they would wait for the prescribed dates for them to have the EGM. The ZIFA board is expected to explain how it used COVID-19 relief funds from FIFA and CAF and why they concealed match-fixing and sexual abuse allegations.
The suspended board members, who also include Philemon Machana and Bryton Malandule, are likely to lose their posts.
The councillors, however, accuse the ZIFA board of pushing FIFA to ban Zimbabwe and causing chaos. Added the councillors:
<blockquote>
The assembly members now find themselves suspended by the suspended executive committee. We collectively believe that football cannot be hold at ransom by a few individuals who are scared of facing the assembly and answer to charges raised against them. The suspended executive committee is abusing the FIFA directive for the EGM to be convened after April 3 2022.
</blockquote>
They also argue that the suspended ZIFA board members were trying to decimate the councillors’ grouping so that they would not be able to form a quorum for the meeting. 
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/02/zifa-councillors-unfazed-by-suspensions/">NewsDay</a>

Suspended ZIFA Councillors Unfazed, Say Suspensions By Kamambo A Nullity

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board has suspended the Premier Soccer League chief executive officer, Kenny Ndebele and all the congress members who signed a petition calling for an Emergency General Meeting, which was supposed to be held on Saturday. ZIFA is attempting to block the meeting scheduled for the 3rd of April 3. Last week FIFA ruled that the ZIFA executive committee should organise the meeting by April 3 failure to which the Congress can hold the meeting. ZIFA president Felton Kamambo and Philemon Machana are set to lose their posts at that meeting as they are accused of abusing COVID-19 relief funds from FIFA and CAF as well as concealing match-fixing and sexual abuse allegations. Pindula News presents a letter by ZIFA of Ndebele’s suspension and grounds for the suspension:
<blockquote>
<h2>RE: IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION AS A FOOTBALL OFFICIAL/ PSL CEO -PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE (PSL).</h2>
The above matter refers.
The Zimbabwe Football Association, by copy of this letter hereby, inform you of your provisional suspension which has been occasioned by several acts of misconduct. 
A detailed charge sheet on your alleged misconduct is herewith attached whereupon you shall be subjected to standard due disciplinary processes.
The Association, by copy of this correspondence, hereby request that you cease, with immediate effect, conduct of any Association football business in Zimbabwe.
Your sincerely.
 For and on behalf of ZIFA
JOSEPH MAMUTSE
<h2>ANNEXURE A 28 January 2022 </h2>
Mr Kenny Ndebele Allegations
1. Holding illegal meeting which included Martin Kweza, Sweeney Mushonga, Kenny Ndebele and SRC members plotting the illegal removal of a constitutionally elected ZIFA Board 
2. Fraudulent misled some PSL Clubs that the current Board members wanted to trim the PSL representation in council from present 18 to 6 in the constitutional review when in fact it was Mr Kweza and Mr Mushonga who brought that contribution through what they presented in writing as the Northern Region constitutional input to the new ZIFA Constitution. This was done to create anger and resentment from PSL towards some current serving Board members when in actual fact it was the two who suggested this (Attached Annexure A — Norther Region Constitutional Contribution) 
3. Plotting with SRC and Kenny Ndebele to cause football to be ungovernable while misleading some delegates of the safety during restructuring until the removal of some of the current ZIFA Board Members wherein it was clandestinely agreed that the duo of Kweza and Mushonga were to be spared from the SRC restructuring targeted at the majority of council delegates. It was the agreed resolution that for assisting to remove some current Board members and help SRC achieve it objective without attracting FIFA censor of interference, the duo of Kweza and Mushonga will in return be set for ZIFA President and General Secretary respectively. One such meeting was held at Cresta Oasis between Kenny Ndebele and Sweeney Mushonga (evidence and witnesses will be led during hearings). 
4. Putting football into disrepute and caused alarm and despondence through several press statements wherein you alleged several unproved transgressions on the current ZIFA Board, made utterances that the current Board was holding football at ransom, that their days in office were numbered, that the current board members were intimidating Congress Delegates through written threats all along knowing this to be untrue and without any shrewd of sustainable evidence. 
5. Supporting third party interferences in football through utterances that support the SRC action on the Board even in instances where the ultimate football authority had ruled on that matter. 
6. Putting football into disrepute and caused alarm and despondence through several press statements wherein you alleged several unproved transgressions on the current ZIFA Board, made utterances that the current Board was holding football at ransom, that their days in office were numbered, that the current board members were intimidating Congress Delegates through written threats all along knowing this to be untrue and without any shrewd of sustainable evidence. 
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

ZIFA Suspends Premier Soccer League CEO Kenny Ndebele

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has started a dialogue with FIFA over the suspension of the Zimbabwe Football Association.
Meanwhile, the suspended Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board has said it will be taking the SRC to the Administrative Court for recourse.
The SRC suspended the ZIFA board two weeks ago citing irregularities in the handling of finances as well as breaching COVID-19 protocols, among other transgressions.
Zifa has since escalated the case to CAF and FIFA.  
  
On Monday, the SRC announced that it had reached an “agreement” with FIFA on how the ZIFA issue would be addressed following a meeting on Saturday.
According to SRC, dialogue with Fifa is an ongoing process, but the ZIFA board led by Felton Kamambo remains suspended.
Yesterday, Zifa legal advisor Chenaimoyo Gumiro responded to the charges that led to the board members’ suspension, saying SRC took a wrong approach and should have engaged the football mother body the same way it had engaged FIFA. He said:
<blockquote>
We are aware of the engagements of SRC and Fifa and we believe that is the way to go about it. Fifa promotes fair governance and it does not rush to make decisions before engaging all parties involved. This is what the SRC should have done and if that engagement with Zifa had been done, surely we would not have come to where we are. While the engagements between SRC and Fifa take place, we will seek to get the suspension lifted locally by approaching the Administrative Court.
</blockquote>
Other suspended board members, who include Philemon Machana, Farai Jere, Barbra Chikosi and Bryton Malandule, want their suspension to be set aside.
While SRC is saying ZIFA mismanaged public funds at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt, the association says it only got US$53 000 from the government and the money was disbursed to players.
Gumiro challenged SRC to explain what happened to the funds that were raised by a committee established for that purpose ahead of the tournament.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/12/zifa-takes-src-to-court/">NewsDay</a>

SRC Reaches 'Agreement' With FIFA On How To Handle ZIFA Suspension

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has turned down a request by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to let in 10 000 supporters into the National Sports Stadium during the FIFA World Cup 2022TM qualifier between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
CAF said the stadium does not meet minimum health standards therefore it was not ideal to let in spectators during the pandemic.
The football board noted that exceptions are being made to allow spectators into the stadium, where and when the stadium in question meets required standards. CAF’s development division wrote:
<blockquote>
CAF analysed and assessed your request from a medical, stadium requirements compliance, and safety &amp; security perspective in your venue. Accordingly, a decision has been taken not to allow the presence of spectators in the aforementioned match. 
</blockquote>
Since the resumption of international football late in 2020, National Sports Stadium has been hosting senior men’s international games on a provisional basis. 
The stadium had been barred in 2020 just before Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Algeria.
The absence of bucket seats and electronic access controls are among issues that CAF has continuously urged Zimbabwe to address to get unrestricted approval to host matches.
ZIFA on Saturday morning urged the government to accelerate renovations at the stadium so that local teams can welcome supporters back in the stadium as is the case in other nations.
Zimbabwe is likely to be without England-based players including Admiral Muskwe, Macauley Bonne and Marvelous Nakamba after their teams moved to bar players from travelling to Zimbabwe which is on the UK’s list of COVID-19 red zone countries.
More: <a href="https://www.zimmorningpost.com/caf-punishes-warriors-fans-for-the-sins-of-zim-govt/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=caf-punishes-warriors-fans-for-the-sins-of-zim-govt">Zim Morning Post</a>

CAF Turns Down ZIFA's Request For Fans To Attend World Cup Qualifiers

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Football_Association_(ZIFA)">The Confederation of African Football</a> (CAF) has scheduled the delayed Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 Cameroon final tournament for January 9 to February 6, 2022, in Cameroon.
The newly elected <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/south-african-billionaire-patrice-motsepe-new-caf-president/">CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe</a> chaired the CAF executives’ virtual meeting held on the 31st of March. A statement released by the confederation reads:
<blockquote>On infrastructures and competitions:
The General Secretary gave a report to the EXCO on the state of degradation of infrastructure in the African continent which do not or no longer offer the guarantees and aptitudes to host CAF competitions, in particular the Total Africa Cup of Nations.
It was agreed that the improvement of several infrastructures will be priority for CAF and a detailed plan will be presented at a short term.
He also indicated, regarding the challenges presented by COVID-19 and PCR tests currently required during competitions, that discussions have been initiated to set up – in collaboration with the WHO – independent bodies in charge of carrying out the tests, before the matches, this in particular in view of the CAN Total Cameroon 2021.
On Total AFCON 2021 Cameroon:
The Executive Committee unanimously approved the proposed dates for the organization of the draw (June 25, 2021) and the Total Africa Cup of Nations 2021 Cameroon final tournament (January 9 to February 6, 2022).
Appointments and co-options
<ul>
<li>The co-option of Mr. Abdigani Said Arab, President of the Somali Football Federation, to the CAF Executive Committee.</li>
<li>The confirmation of Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa to continue the functions of Chairman of the CAF Finance Committee.</li>
<li>The appointment of Mr. Hany Abou Rida (Egypt) and Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick (Nigeria) as members of the CAF Emergency Committee. Read more about African football on www.cafonline.com</li>
</ul>
The President further informed the Executive Committee on the appointment of two Advisors:
<ul>
<li>Mr. Jacques Bernard D. Anouma (Cote d’ivoire) as Senior Special Advisor to the President</li>
<li>Dr. Daniel Alexandre Jordaan (South Africa) as Advisor in charge of Sport and Marketing to the Presidency.</li>
</ul>
Finally, the General Secretary informed the Executive Committee about the audit mission initiated by the PwC Cabinet at CAF headquarters, and the results of which are expected at the beginning of May 2021.
CAF Communication: Alexandre Siewe CAF I Communication Director alexandre.siewe@cafonline.com
</blockquote>

CAF Announces Dates For Delayed AFCON 2021 Final

The Zimbabwe Football Association has welcomed the decision by the Confederation of African Football to suspend Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches due to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Women’s 2020 AFCON qualifiers were slated for the first week of April while the Men’s 2021 AFCON qualifiers were scheduled to be played at the end of this month.
In a statement, ZIFA said that the suspension gives Zimbabwe ample time to fix local stadia which CAF had condemned. Part of the statement read:
<blockquote>The Zimbabwe Football Association welcomes the decision of CAF to postpone international matches due to debilitating effects of the COVID-19 virus.</blockquote>
ZIFA also informed the football fraternity that, as a result of the CAF decision, the Under 20 Women team will break camp on Monday 16 March 2020 while the CHAN team will continue in camp in line with Coach Loga’s 10-day preparation plan, pending CAF’s decision on whether the tournament will go ahead or not.
Zimbabwe had settled for a South African stadium after the ban and that could have resulted in the country losing thousands of dollars.
Football fans had also criticised relevant authorities for neglecting local stadia thereby robbing them of the opportunity to watch the national team playing live.
More: <a href="http://sportbrief.co.zw/2020/03/16/zifa-gets-extra-time-to-fix-stadia/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=zifa-gets-extra-time-to-fix-stadia">Sportbrief</a>

"Suspension Of AFCON Matches A Blessing In Disguise," - ZIFA

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has said that it has already made a decision that the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match between Zimbabwe and Algeria will not be played in Zimbabwe due to stadia ban.
CAF also revealed that they have since fined the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) for late confirmation of the venue for the game.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail, CAF sources said:
<blockquote>CAF have already fined ZIFA US$4 000 for late confirmation of the venue for their home game. Although CAF are sending inspectors to Zimbabwe, those are for the possible certification of the National Sports Stadium and Barbourfields to host the World Cup qualifiers in October, and not for this month’s game.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, ZIFA is still working on Barbourfields in Bulawayo, the second-largest City in Zimbabwe, hoping “that something can still happen and we can have that game played in Bulawayo,” as CAF has previously allowed other countries with condemned stadia to host still.
ZIFA says that they have provisionally requested to use South Africa’s Dobsonville stadium.

CAF Speaks On ZIFA's Request To Have The Zimbabwe-Algeria Match Played At Barbourfields

ZIFA has requested that COSAFA president, Philip Chiyangwa’s allowance be debated at the upcoming 2019 Annual General Meeting on January 25.
This comes after the COSAFA Financial audit has revealed that the former ZIFA boss “received” or “gave himself” R881 000 in the year-ending 2019, the same year the organisation made a loss amounting to R2 505 190.
In a letter to COSAFA, ZIFA secretary-general Joseph Mamutse asked CAF and FIFA to act on the anomaly adding that the matter should be reported to the South African Police for financial impropriety. Part of the letter read:
<blockquote>…a whooping R881 150 was paid to COSAFA president Dr Chiyangwa alone as allowances and ‘Honorarium’ whatever this means all in year 2019…

We note that Dr Chiyangwa was given or gave himself a whooping R580 000 as ‘Honararium’ a figure which is bigger that the zone’s flagship competition the COSAFA MEN Cup prize money of R500 000. How do we justify paying such an astronomical figure, we being responsible for the sport?</blockquote>
Mamutse also demanded clarity over R19 696 travel cost reimbursement granted to the Zanu PF Chiyangwa under the period under review.
The current ZIFA administration has often clashed with Chiyangwa since his departure from the association.
More: <a href="https://zimmorningpost.com/chiyangwa-blows-r1-million-cosafa-funds/">Zim Morning Post</a>

"How Do We Justify Paying Such An Astronomical Figure?" - As COSAFA Audit "Exposes" Chiyangwa

Zimbabwe has been banned from using the National Sports Stadium by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the next two CAF sanctioned matches following a stampede which killed a fan.
ZIFA Communications and Competitions Manager, Xolisani Gwesela confirmed the development. In a statement, Gwesela said:
<blockquote>
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board, in terms of CAF Statutes &amp; Regulations and Articles 82, 83.1 &amp; 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, has resolved to ban our national teams from using the National Sports Stadium for the next two CAF sanctioned matches.
The sanction arises from the crowd trouble which transpired at the National Sports Stadium on 24 March 2019 prior to the match between Zimbabwe and Congo.<img alt="" class="wp-image-122445 alignleft" decoding="async" height="223" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 387px) 100vw, 387px" src="http://www.zbc.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NSS-300x173.jpg" srcset="http://www.zbc.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NSS-300x173.jpg 300w, http://www.zbc.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NSS-768x444.jpg 768w, http://www.zbc.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NSS-1024x591.jpg 1024w, http://www.zbc.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NSS-1080x624.jpg 1080w, http://www.zbc.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NSS.jpg 1200w" width="387"/>
</blockquote>
Gwesela added that one match from the sanction will be suspended in the event that a similar incident does not occur at national team matches in the next 12 months. The ban means that the next national team match sanctioned by CAF will be played at another approved stadium.
More: <a href="http://www.zbc.co.zw/warriors-handed-2-match-ban-from-nss/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZBC News</a>

CAF Bans Warriors From Using The NSS For 2 CAF Sanctioned Matches

Warriors goalkeeper, George Chigova is troubled by missing the first match of the AFCON finals set for Egypt this year. He will not be playing due to the yellow cards he picked during later stages of the African Cup Of Nations qualifiers campaign.
Chigova said: 
<div class="sirius-dfp-inarticle"></div>
<blockquote>The referee’s decision is final but that guy from Congo kicked me and I felt I needed medical attention. But now, it’s painful I am going to miss the game. 
This is supposed to be my first AFCON finals and I was looking forward to be playing the first game but such things happen in football. 
We all just need to stay focused. Remember (Marvellous) Nakamba missed the first game at the last AFCON also but I trust whoever is going to be called for the job will do it well for the nation.</blockquote>
<div class="sirius-dfp-inarticle"></div>
The Confederation of African Football wrote to ZIFA on Sunday reminding them of Chigova’s suspension. The letter read:
<blockquote>For having received two cautions in two different matches in the frame of this competition (matches # 139 and # 67), player no. 16 George Chigova is automatically suspended for his next Match.</blockquote>
<h3>Related:</h3>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/05/chigova-to-play-his-100th-game-in-absa/" rel="bookmark">Chigova To Play His 100th Game In ABSA</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/06/03/george-chigova-sends-zimbabwe-through-to-cosafa-cup-final/" rel="bookmark">George Chigova Sends Zimbabwe Through To COSAFA Cup Final</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/03/24/zimbabwe-vs-congo-final-starting-lineups/" rel="bookmark">Zimbabwe vs Congo: Final Starting Lineups</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/10/29/warriors-squad-for-afcon-qualifier-against-liberia-match-named/" rel="bookmark">Warriors Squad For Afcon Qualifier Against Liberia Match Named</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/06/06/zimbabwe-through-to-cosafa-cup-final/" rel="bookmark">Zimbabwe Through To Cosafa Cup Final</a></li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/chigova-regrets-getting-yellow-cards/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Chronicle</a>

Chigova To Miss First AFCON Match In Egypt

Hicham El Amrani the Confederation of African Football’s (Caf) secretary general resigned on Sunday without giving reasons for his decision. The 37-year old El Amrani had been the Caf secretary-general for the past six years. He was Issa Hayatou’s right-hand man and his resignation comes barely a fortnight after<a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/news/2017/03/16/breaking-chiyangwa-coup-successful-hayatou-loses-caf-presidency/" target="_blank"> Issa Hayatou was ousted from power when he lost the CAF presidency.</a>
El-Amrani was involved in a war of words with Zifa and Cosafa president Phillip Chiyangwa in the run-up to the elections. <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/news/2017/02/13/chiyangwa-warned-undermining-destabilising-caf/" target="_blank">El-Amrani accused Chiyangwa of attempting to undermine and destabilise</a> Caf after Chiyangwa organised a party with Fifa President Gianni Infantino.
More: <a href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39399482">BBC</a>

Caf secretary general resigns without giving an explanation

On the 16th of March, Issa Hayatou was deposed as the president of the Confederation of African Football after 29 years in power. <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/news/2017/03/16/breaking-chiyangwa-coup-successful-hayatou-loses-caf-presidency/" target="_blank">He was defeated resoundingly by Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar by a vote of 34 votes to 20</a>. With most of the credit of the upset going to Phillip Chiyangwa the President of ZIFA and Cosafa, who was Ahmad’s campaign manager.
Some people were interested in knowing who had voted to retain Hayatou or who had voted for change. Here is how they voted.
ISSA HAYATOU (CAMEROON) – 20 votes
Anjorin Moucharafou (Benin Republic) 
Sidiki A Roko (Cameroon) 
Victor Osorio (Cape Verde) 
Andres-Jorge Mbomio (Equatorial Guinea) 
Pierre Alain Mounguengui (Gabon) 
Lamin Kaba Bajo (The Gambia) 
Mohamed Souare-(Guinea) 
Augustino (South Sudan) 
Manuel Lopes Nascimento (Guinea Bissau) 
Jafaar (Libya) 
Vincent Nzamwita (Rwanda) 
Ravia Idarus Fahinda (Zanzibar) 
Jamal Malinzi (Tanzania) 
Mohamed Raouraoua (Algeria) 
Augustin Senghor (Senegal) 
Reverien Ndikuriyo (Burundi) 
Kossi Akpovy (Togo) 
Tourqui Salim (Comoros) 
Abdiqani Said Arab (Somalia) 
Mutasim Gafaar Sirelkhatim (Sudan)
AHMAD (MADAGASCAR) – 34 votes
Mclean Letshwiti (Botswana) 
Edouard Ngaissona (Central Africa Republic) 
Mahamoud Moctar (Chad) 
Souleiman Hassan Waberi (Djibouti) 
Jean Michel Mbono (Congo) 
Domingos Monteiro (Sao Tome e Principe) 
Omari Constant Selemani (DR Congo) 
Augustin Sidy Diallo (Cote d’Ivoire) 
Boubacar Diarra (Mali) 
Hany Abo Rida (Egypt) 
Elvis Chetty (Seychelles) 
Juneidi Tilmo (Ethiopia) 
Kwesi Nyantakyi (Ghana) 
Salemane Phafane (Lesotho) 
Ahmad Ahmad (Madagascar) 
Walter Nyamilandu (Malawi) 
Mohamed Ally Samir Sobha (Mauritius) 
Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco) 
Alberto Junior (Mozambique) 
Frans Mbidi (Namibia) 
Melvin Amaju Pinnick (Nigeria) 
Isha Johansen (Sierra Leone) 
Sita Sangare (Burkina Faso) 
Danny Jordaan (South Africa) 
Adam Mthethwa (Swaziland) 
Musa Bility (Liberia) 
Wadie Jary (Tunisia) 
Moses Magogo (Uganda) 
Andrew Kamanga (Zambia) 
Phillip Chiyangwa (Zimbabwe) 
Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania) 
Nicholas Mwendwa Kithuku 
Artur de Almeida (Angola)
More: <a href="https://zambiareports.com/2017/03/19/revealed-kamanga-stands-cosafa-oust-hayatou/">Zambia Reports</a>

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