The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has reinstated its Director-General, Eltah Nengomasha, following a disciplinary hearing by an Independent Tribunal that cleared her of any misconduct.
Nengomasha was suspended in October 2024, with the SRC withholding the reasons behind the decision.
In a statement released on Wednesday, March 12, SRC Board Chairman Gerald Mlotshwa announced that Nengomasha will resume her duties, including overseeing the restructuring of the SRC’s human resources, with the full confidence and support of the Board. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
Please take note that following the suspension of the Director General of the SRC on the 31st of October 2024, a disciplinary hearing was subsequently held before an Independent Tribunal. 
In its twenty-one page determination of 11th March, 2025, the three member Tribunal acquitted and cleared the Director General of any wrongdoing.
Effectively, the suspension against the Director General is lifted and she will resume normal duties, including the restructuring of the SRC’s human resources, with the full confidence and support of the Board.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

The Sports and Recreation Commission has rehired Eltah Nengomasha as Director-General after a hearing found her not guilty of any wrongdoing. She was suspended in October 2024, but now she is back on the job. The SRC Board Chairman announced this decision and said she will help with restructuring the human resources. Nengomasha now has the full support of the Board as she resumes her responsibilities. The Tribunal cleared her name, so she can go back to work.

Eltah Nengomasha Reinstated As SRC Director-General

The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture has been allocated ZiG $888.3 million for 2025, a figure that, according to acting Permanent Secretary Eugenia Chidhakwa, is insufficient to fund its programmes, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/sport-ministry-says-2025-budget-allocation-is-only-enough-to-cover-employees-salaries-operations/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
Chidhakwa revealed to the Parliamentary Committee on Sport that the Ministry had initially requested ZiG $2.2 billion, but was instead allocated just $888.3 million, leaving a significant shortfall of ZiG $1.3 billion.
She said the allocation would severely impact the Ministry’s ability to carry out its planned initiatives, as the funds will only cover salaries and operational costs. She said:
<blockquote>
We were given $888,387,000, giving us a deficit of $1,337,880,840. Within the ministry, we are divided into three major programs.
The programmes are policy and administration; sport and recreation, promotion and development and the arts and culture promotion and development.
Our parastatals, which are the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the National Galleries of Zimbabwe have been given monies that will only cover their salaries and operations.
Nothing has been provided to our parastatals or projects and programmes, which then becomes a very big cause for concern because it means in 2025 they will not be able to implement their projects.
</blockquote>
The sports was formed out of an existing Youth ministry and therefore still needs offices, equipment, and furniture among other things. Said Chidhakwa:
<blockquote>
We also need to procure furniture, furniture which then covers our principals, our ministers, our deputy ministers as well as our permanent secretary and no amount has been allocated to that.
The ministry in its establishment has got provincial and district structures and you would recall, Honourable Chair, that we once used to work with the Ministry of Youth and it was then sports, arts and culture.
We are now a new ministry and then what it entails is that our provincial and district officers don’t have places that they are supposed to operate from because we are a new ministry, they also don’t have furniture and tools of trade, which to us are the integral part of our structure as a ministry.
So without the tools of trade and equipment, it becomes very difficult for them to be able to operate. 
They have major events that they are supposed to be implementing both in the arts and sports and recreation as well as the arts and culture sector.
So our budget falls very short of the activities that we are talking about.
</blockquote>
Chidhakwa warned that the Ministry may fail to fulfil its corporate agreements with other countries in 2025 due to a shortage of funds. She said:
<blockquote>
Furthermore, these activities we do with our parastatals. If the ministry falls short of the budget and our parastatals, if I have alluded, have not been given any budget allocation for the same programmes and the same projects it means we then have a very tall order in 2025 which we might fail to fulfil our corporate agreements within member countries.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Ministry of Sport doesn't have enough money to do all the things it wants to do. They asked for $2.2 billion but only got $888.3 million. This means they can only pay workers and cover basic costs, and not fund projects or buy furniture and equipment. Without more money, they may not be able to do events or keep agreements with other countries in 2025. This shortage of funds will make it hard for the Ministry to do all the work it needs to do.

Ministry Of Sport Faces Budget Shortfall With ZiG $888.3 Million Allocation

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has expressed satisfaction with the amended ZIFA constitution, which was adopted at a FIFA-supervised meeting of ZIFA’s Congress on October 18.
The Congress voted 48-8 in favour of the amendments, marking a significant step forward in addressing long-standing issues within Zimbabwean football.
FIFA and CAF delegates attending the meeting commended the Congress for its renewed commitment to reforming the country’s football governance, particularly in relation to a constitution that had not been updated in over a decade.
After the ZIFA Congress ratified the amendments, the amended constitution was sent to the SRC for registration, in line with Section 29 of the Sport and Recreation Act.
The SRC’s legal team reviewed the constitution and gave their approval, allowing ZIFA to proceed with registering the document with FIFA.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/src-call-for-integrity-in-zifa-elections">The Sunday Mail</a>, SRC board chairperson Gerald Mlotshwa commended the Normalisation Committee led by Lincoln Mutasa for establishing an ethics and integrity committee that will assess the eligibility of candidates. Said Mlotshwa:
<blockquote>
The new ZIFA Constitution has been registered by the SRC, in terms of its governing Act. New ZIFA elections will be conducted under its auspices and the watchful eyes of FIFA and CAF.
I am aware that ZIFA is in the process of putting together an ethics and integrity committee to vet prospective candidates.
The SRC does not vet candidates nor will it endorse any candidate. That is a matter for the football community within ZIFA to decide without third-party interference or influence.
It is our fervent hope, as the SRC, that the composition of the ethics and integrity committee will encourage those very able former footballers, administrators and corporate leaders in our country to step up for what will, given the importance of football in Zimbabwe, be a national duty.
</blockquote>
He urged ZIFA’s electoral college to choose leaders who are honest, and respectable and can ensure credibility and accountability for the association and the country’s biggest sports code. Said Mlotshwa:
<blockquote>
We want to see selfless, hardworking and honest people at the helm of our sport.
Not shameless, self-centred, incompetent and divisive egotists, as has been the unfortunate case in the recent past.
</blockquote>
During discussions on amending the ZIFA constitution, two key clauses drew huge interest. One stipulates that candidates for the ZIFA presidency and deputy positions must hold at least five Ordinary Level passes, while the other requires candidates to have been ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe for the past two years.
Under the amended constitution, the ZIFA executive, commonly known as the board, will now have 11 members, with one of the two vice presidents having to be a woman. Article 38.1 of the new constitution reads:
<blockquote>
The Executive Committee shall consist of 11 members, at least three (3) of whom shall be women, as follows: a) one President. b) two vice presidents (1st vice president and 2nd vice president), at least one of whom shall be a woman. c) six ordinary members. d) one ex officio member representing the Premier Soccer League elected by the Premier Soccer League and ratified by the ZIFA Congress. e) one ex officio female member representing the Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League elected by the Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League and ratified by the ZIFA Congress.
</blockquote>
Articles 38.4 to 38.8 outline additional criteria for individuals aspiring to be board members. These include a requirement that all members of the Executive Committee must not have been previously convicted or sentenced for any criminal offence.
Additionally, to be eligible for election as the president of the Executive Committee, a candidate must be at least 40 years old.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The new ZIFA constitution has age, education, and residency criteria for executive committee members. The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) is happy with the changes. Candidates for top positions must have at least five O-Level passes and have lived in Zimbabwe for two years. The executive committee will have 11 members, with at least three women. Members must be honest, hardworking, and competent. These changes aim to bring credibility and accountability to Zimbabwean football. The new rules were approved by FIFA and CAF delegates. Now, ZIFA will have fair and transparent elections under the new constitution.

New ZIFA Constitution Sets Age, Education, And Residency Criteria For Executive Committee Members

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) suspended director-general Eltah Nengomasha last week, pending a disciplinary hearing.
The reasons behind Nengomasha’s suspension have not been disclosed.
SRC board chairperson Gerald Mlotshwa confirmed the development in a brief statement.
According to the SRC, Sebastian Garikai will take on the duties of Acting Director-General, a role he had previously fulfilled before Nengomasha’s appointment. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Please take note that pending the finalisation of a Hearing, the Director-General of the SRC has been suspended.
Mr Sebastian Garikai will assume the role of Director-General in an Acting capacity until further notice.
</blockquote>
Nengomasha became the Director-General of the SRC in March 2023.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Sports and Recreation Commission suspended Eltah Nengomasha, their boss, for now. They did not say why. Sebastian Garikai will do his job for now. Eltah Nengomasha started his job in 2023.

SRC Suspends Director-General, Eltah Nengomasha

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that defines the relationship between the two entities and establishes opportunities for collaboration in the management of football in Zimbabwe.
The MoU outlines the respective duties and responsibilities of ZIFA and the SRC, aiming to prevent the recurrence of clashes that previously led to Zimbabwe’s suspension from international football two years ago.
The signing of the MoU was one of the recommendations made by FIFA when Zimbabwe’s suspension from international football was lifted last year.
The signing ceremony, held in Harare, was attended by high-ranking officials, including representatives from FIFA, SRC Chairman Gerald Mlotshwa, and ZIFA Normalisation Committee Chairperson Lincoln Mutasa.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GVvTMdnXIAIX-Mu?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096"/>
The MoU addresses key areas such as good governance, measures to eliminate sexual harassment in domestic football, and lobbying for funding for national teams.
The agreement recognizes ZIFA’s autonomy and the football association’s responsibility to respect the country’s laws. Said Mlotshwa:
<blockquote>
I think the background of all this is well documented; the FIFA suspension of ZIFA, its lifting last year and the conditions that were set at the lifting of that suspension.
The important condition was a stipulation by FIFA itself that the NC and the SRC needed to sign an MOU regarding the management of their relationship going forward.
That was because FIFA itself had greatly appreciated the issues that had been raised by the SRC and the need to find a common platform between SRC and ZIFA essentially as to how they will collaborate going forward, obviously with respect for the ZIFA and FIFA constitutions as well as the laws of Zimbabwe.
There was no great rush to have it drafted and signed, and that was deliberate. I think we needed to allow the NC to do its work to understand the issues that needed to be addressed and to ensure that those issues were captured in the MOU.
I think as we move towards what I would call the home run in so far as the NC’s mandate is concerned, this has become the appropriate time to sign the MOU because it will not just govern the relationship between the NC and the SRC, but with the new incoming administration of ZIFA as well, going forward…
FIFA itself has played a big role in so far as the importance of this MOU is concerned. So, this is also endorsed by FIFA as well.
</blockquote>
According to the MoU, the SRC’s Roles and Responsibilities include:
<ul>
<li>Create an environment that supports and enhances the development of ZIFA and the sport of football in Zimbabwe.</li>
<li>Endeavour to provide financial resources in order to fund some of the main ZIFA activities especially in relation to the activities of the different National Teams representing Zimbabwe in international competitions.</li>
<li>Advise the government of the needs of ZIFA.</li>
</ul>
ZIFA’s roles and Responsibilities include:
<ul>
<li>To proactively formulate policies that provide for safeguarding in football and gender inclusivity.</li>
<li>To implement a robust Media/ Public Relations Management arm to keep stakeholders informed on key issues relating to football matters.</li>
<li>To adhere to the provisions of the approved ZIFA Constitution in use from time to time.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) signed an agreement to work together better for football. This will prevent issues like the country being banned from international games before. The agreement was recommended by FIFA. This deal includes following laws, good management, and protecting players. ZIFA will focus on gender inclusivity and keep people informed about football. SRC will support ZIFA financially and tell the government what ZIFA needs. This agreement is important for the future of football in Zimbabwe.

New Era For Zimbabwean Football As ZIFA, SRC Sign MoU

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) expects to complete the rehabilitation of the National Sports Stadium to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) minimum standards by the end of this year, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200031356/national-sports-stadium-ready-by-december-2024">NewsDay</a>.
In a recent update, SRC board chairman Gerald Mlotshwa and director-general Elta Nengomasha provided details on the ongoing renovations at Zimbabwe’s largest sports facility.
Mlotshwa announced that the first batch of 15,000 bucket seats, purchased from China, has already arrived in Beira, Mozambique.
The seats will be transported to Harare once the necessary paperwork is finalised. He said:
<blockquote>
I am happy to report that as of today, the first batch of the bucket seats is now in Beira, ready for shipping to Zimbabwe.
Those timeframes to Zimbabwe are what we are busy trying to ascertain so that we give accurate information.
</blockquote>
Mlotshwa added that the SRC is targeting completion of all the renovation work by December. However, he noted that the pitch itself will require major refurbishment.
Nengomasha further elaborated on the ongoing projects, saying they are currently working on installing a new perimeter fence and upgrading the water reticulation system at the stadium. She said:
<blockquote>
In preparation to receive the bucket seats and other equipment, we are securing the stadium with a new perimeter fence. We expect that to be complete by the end of August.
Water reticulation, if you come to the stadium, you will find that the first half of the reticulation has been done. The trenches have been dug and the piping is on site.
</blockquote>
Nengomasha also revealed that the turnstiles and CCTV equipment have already been delivered to the National Sports Stadium, and the team is now waiting to begin the installation. Added Nengomasha:
<blockquote>
We need special lighting for the floodlights, which is in line with CAF standards. In terms of the floodlights, there is a contractor that is in place and most of the preliminary work has been done.
</blockquote>
Due to the lack of a CAF-certified stadium in Zimbabwe, the national team, the Warriors, as well as Premier Soccer League clubs Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars, have been forced to host their home matches in CAF competitions on foreign soil.
In November 2023, Zimbabwe hosted Nigeria in Rwanda in the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In June 2024, the Warriors played their World Cup qualifier home match against Lesotho in South Africa, and in September 2024, they are scheduled to host Cameroon in Uganda in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
This past weekend, Dynamos hosted ZESCO United in Botswana for their CAF Confederation Cup fixture, while Ngezi Platinum Stars welcomed Maniema Union in Zambia for their CAF Champions League home game.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The National Sports Stadium in Zimbabwe is getting renovated to meet CAF standards by December. New seats and equipment are being installed. The stadium will have a new perimeter fence, upgraded water system, improved lighting, and more. The Warriors and local clubs have had to play home matches outside Zimbabwe due to the lack of a certified stadium. But once the renovations are done, they can host games at home. The goal is to have everything ready by the end of the year.

National Sports Stadium Ready By December 2024 - SRC

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has accused the ZIFA Normalisation Committee of stalling progress in efforts to find a lasting solution to challenges facing local football which resulted in Zimbabwe being banned from taking part in international football for several months by FIFA.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/src-zifa-deal-on-football-roadmap-in-limbo">The Sunday Mail</a>, SRC director-general Eltah Nengomasha revealed that ZIFA NC is yet to finalise the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will pave the way for a roadmap to development. Said Nengomasha:
<blockquote>
The MoU draft was done last year and it has been about five months now but the Normalisation Committee have never bothered to respond on the matter. Specific follow-ups have been made since then but to no avail.
</blockquote>
There seems to be palpable tension between the SRC and ZIFA NC and this may attract the attention of FIFA.
Last month, SRC chairperson Gerald Mlotshwa criticised ZIFA NC for “boycotting” the commissioning of Walter Magaya’s The Heart Stadium in Waterfalls by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
However, ZIFA NC chairman, Lincoln Mutasa, claimed they had only been notified of the commissioning two days before the event.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SRC Accuses ZIFA Of Stalling Progress On Football Roadmap

The Federation of International Football (FIFA) has appointed a four-member normalisation committee to take over the day-to-day running of ZIFA until June 2024.
The appointment of the normalisation committee came after FIFA announced the lifting of the suspension on the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) on Monday 10 July 2022.
Normalisation committees play a significant role in ensuring compliance with FIFA regulatory requirements.
The four-member normalisation committee was unveiled by FIFA Head of development programs in Africa Solomon Mudege on Tuesday, 11 July.
The committee comprises chairperson Lincon Mutasa, Sikhumbuzo Ndebele, Rosemary Mugadza and Nyasha Sanyamandu.
Mutasa is a former Dynamos chairman, Mugadza is a former Mighty Warriors coach, Ndebele is a former Highlanders defender, while Sanyamandwe is a member of the British Sports Lawyers Association and legal practitioner.
Below are the duties of the normalisation committee:
<ul>
<li>To run the daily affairs of ZIFA</li>
<li>To restructure the ZIFA administration</li>
<li>To establish, with the help of FIFA, a collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Sport/the SRC and ZIFA, which will define the responsibilities and objectives of each 
party, including (but not exclusively) on the topic of sexual harassment</li>
<li>To review the ZIFA Statutes and Electoral Code to ensure their compliance with the FIFA Statutes and requirements, and to ensure their adoption by the ZIFA Congress</li>
<li>To act as an electoral committee in order to organise and conduct elections of a new ZIFA Board based on the newly aligned ZIFA Statutes and Electoral Code</li>
<li>To ensure a proper financial handover to the new ZIFA Board</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

FIFA Unveils Four-member ZIFA Normalisation Committee

A delegation from FIFA is set to arrive in Zimbabwe tomorrow (Monday), to finalise the appointment of a normalisation committee to run the affairs of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
A normalisation committee usually consists of members who will be appointed jointly by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), subject to an eligibility check carried out by the FIFA Review Committee in accordance with the Fifa governance regulations.
The imminent visit by the FIFA delegation is the second in two months and comes a few days before the Bureau of the FIFA Council is scheduled to meet later this week.
The FIFA Council is the main decision-making body of the organisation in the intervals of the FIFA Congress.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/sport/article/200013486/big-week-for-zim-football-as-fifa-visits-again">The Standard</a> reported sources as saying the FIFA Council scheduled for later this week will review Zimbabwe’s suspension from international football competitions. Said a source:
<blockquote>
FIFA will be in the country on Monday to finalise the normalisation committee ahead of the FIFA council meeting later in the week to review Zimbabwe’s suspension.
This follows consultations earlier in April with the SRC which included CAF.
</blockquote>
In April, FIFA sent a delegation to Zimbabwe on a fact-finding mission.
The delegation consisted of Zimbabwean national Solomon Mudege, who is FIFA’s head of development programmes Africa, regional development officer David Fani and senior governance service manager Sarah Solémalé.
CAF was also represented during the three-day fact-finding mission.
The delegation held meetings with representatives from the Premier Soccer League, the Footballers’ Union of Zimbabwe and other pertinent parties in a bid to gather facts on the ground.
Zimbabwe national teams and clubs have not participated in international competitions for the last 16 months following the country’s suspension by FIFA.
FIFA suspended Zimbabwe after the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) suspended the ZIFA board led by Felton Kamambo for several alleged violations which include sexual harassment of female referees and failure to account for public funds.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Another FIFA Delegation Set To Visit Zimbabwe

The Gerald Mlotshwa-led Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has expressed satisfaction over recent engagements with officials from FIFA, CAF and COSAFA.
The officials from FIFA, CAF and COSAFA were in the country this week on a fact-finding mission.
In a statement released on Thursday night, SRC said it held “productive meetings” with the officials and they broadly agreed on the next steps to address ZIFA’s current situation. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Throughout the week, FIFA and CAF engaged with various stakeholders and officials involved in Zimbabwean football to gather their perspectives.
A common sentiment among these stakeholders was the need for strong, lawful governance structures to support Zimbabwe’s return to international football, as well as a commitment to implementing necessary reforms for the sport’s future development and success in the country.
The SRC has also been involved in productive discussions with FIFA and CAF, including COSAFA, with a mutual goal of resolving the issues surrounding the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
The conversations have been marked by good faith from all parties and a genuine interest in advancing solutions.
The outcomes of these discussions have been promising, with the SRC, CAF, and FIFA generally agreeing on the next steps to address ZIFA’s current situation.
… The commission deeply appreciates the firm support and positions taken by all stakeholders involved in this week’s consultations.
These stakeholders have been clear about the changes needed in Zimbabwean football and have collectively called for a swift resolution to ZIFA’s challenges.
</blockquote>
The SRC said will provide further updates to the public on the matter in the first week of May 2023.
The SRC did not reveal the issues they agreed on with representatives from both FIFA and CAF.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200010452/src-satisfied-with-fifa-caf-engagement">NewsDay</a> reported sources as saying both parties accepted that there is no way back for ousted ZIFA president Felton Kamambo and some members of his board.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SRC Optimistic After Meeting FIFA, CAF Delegation

A six-member FIFA delegation is expected to arrive in Zimbabwe on Monday morning in a move that may culminate in the readmission of Zimbabwe to the international football community.
The delegation, which includes officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will meet the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC).
The FIFA and CAF officials will spend three days in the country.
The <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/fifa-descend-on-zim">Sunday Mail</a> reported that FIFA head of development programmes in Africa, Solomon Mudege; the senior member associations governance manager, Sarah Solemale and David Fani, who heads the FIFA regional office for Southern Africa, are among the officials expected in Zimbabwe.
CAF director of member associations Sarah Mukuna and COSAFA president Artur de Almeida e Silva are part of the delegation.
The report says there is a possibility of FIFA appointing a Normalisation Committee to oversee the reform process, which would then culminate in elections to choose a new leadership. The Sunday Mail reported a source as saying:
<blockquote>
As you know by now, FIFA and SRC have been discussing ZIFA matters continuously over the last year, with most of those meetings being virtual.
Only two weeks ago, another virtual meeting between the parties was held and it seems that was the breakthrough indaba in that the idea of a Normalisation Committee seemed to have gained traction.
The FIFA delegation wants to take time to hear from the SRC board on the situation at ZIFA and get an on-the-ground appreciation of what is obtaining in Zimbabwe football.
It appears that all the key parties to the discussions agreed that at this point the best solution for ZIFA is a Normalisation Committee that will oversee fresh elections within ZIFA, as well as ensure that the new executive implements the roadmap.
</blockquote>
FIFA suspended Zimbabwe on 25 February 2022 for alleged third-party interference after the SRC had suspended the ZIFA board led by Felton Kamambo on 16 November 2021.
The other ZIFA executives suspended are Philemon Machana, Bryton Malandule and Joseph Mamutse.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

FIFA Delegation Expected In Zimbabwe On Monday

Highlanders coach Baltemar Brito has claimed that the decision to cancel the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) tie against Dynamos at short notice was meant to protect Dynamos who have failed to score in the last two matches.
Earlier this week, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) ordered the PSL to cancel the match that was pencilled for this Saturday to allow the two clubs to participate in the Independence Day Trophy final.
The Independence Day Trophy final will be played at Pfura Stadium in Mount Darwin in Mashonaland Central province on Tuesday next week.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200010144/bosso-cry-foul">NewsDay</a> on Thursday, Brito said Dynamos had less time to prepare for the league match after playing the last match on Easter Monday while Bosso had played theirs three days earlier (on Good Friday).
It is therefore Brito’s view that the “The Battle of Zimbabwe” was cancelled to protect Dynamos who have also experienced a couple of injuries. Said Brito:
<blockquote>
About the cancellation of the game, we cannot run way from this subject because; no hard feelings, but this decision was only to protect Dynamos because they are coming from two draws.
They had some players who were not having good moments at all; they have some injuries.
Add to that they had to travel to Bulawayo for that game after playing on Monday, so the week of preparation wasn’t going to be the best for them.
Everyone knows that the decision was not to protect football but to protect Dynamos from this game.
Right now we need to respect that decision and the next game is against them (Dynamos) in a cup match.
But they are staying in Harare, they are fresh; we need to travel.
The cancellation of the league game three days before means that in our week of preparation, there have to be a lot of changes.
Our plan was to play on Saturday and now everything is different.
Again our next game (in the league) is against Yadah, we don’t know whether Friday or Saturday.
We don’t know if we will have to come back to Bulawayo (after the cup final on Tuesday) or if we stay there.
So in terms of preparations, we just hope the football authorities have the same way for both teams because to come back and travel to Harare is not fair.
If one team is protected, the other should be protected as well.
</blockquote>
Highlanders said they will field their best team in the Independence Trophy final while Dynamos have four players ruled out due to injuries.
Denver Mukamba, captain Frank Makarati, Donald Mudadi, and reserve goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa will not make the trip to Mt Darwin.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Uhuru Cup: Government Favours Dynamos, Claims Highlanders Coach

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has announced the postponement of the first edition of the “Battle of Zimbabwe”, the premiership match between Highlanders and Dynamos.
Bosso and DeMbare were scheduled to clash on Saturday 15 April at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo but the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has directed PSL to postpone the match.
In a statement issued this Wednesday, PSL Communications and Media Liason Officer Kudzai Bare said the match has been postponed as the two clubs will participate in the Independence Day activities which start on 16 April. Said Bare:
<blockquote>
Please be advised that the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match between Highlanders FC and Dynamos FC scheduled to be played on Saturday 15 April 2023 has been postponed.
This comes following a directive from the Sports and Recreation Commission for the teams to participate in the Independence Day activities which will commence on the 16th of April 2023.
The postponed fixture will be rescheduled in due course.
</blockquote>
The other eight Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday will go ahead as planned.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SRC Orders The Postponement Of The "Battle Of Zimbabwe"

Football fans have pleaded with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene in the dispute between the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and the suspended Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board to ensure that the sanctions imposed on the country by FIFA are lifted.
Zimbabwe national football teams and clubs are banned from participating in international football tournaments after the country was suspended by FIFA in early 2022.
The suspension came after the SRCled by Gerald Mlotshwa dismissed ZIFA board members including its president, Felton Kamambo over a litany of allegations including corruption and the sexual harassment of female referees.
In a recent statement, Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters’ Association (ZNSSA) secretary-general Joseph Mutawu said Mnangagwa should intervene to end the impasse between SRC and ZIFA. He said:
<blockquote>
We urge and plead with our listening President ED Mnangagwa to chip in, reign in Mlotshwa and Kamambo and knock sense in their heads.
</blockquote>
Football stars such as Marshall Munetsi, coaches, administrators, and parliamentarians have all been calling for Mlotshwa to reinstate Kamambo so that the country can return to international football.
Mlotshwa and the SRC have made it clear that getting the FIFA suspension lifted is not a priority. Said ZNSSA:
<blockquote>
All these calls from the football-loving community and the oversight from Parliament fell on deaf ears of Gerald Mlotshwa-led SRC.
Mlotshwa has responded by saying that Zimbabwe was not in a hurry to get the FIFA suspension lifted. Like seriously Mlotshwa?
This was a rude and unthoughtful statement. How dare you Mlotshwa? As supporters, we have now realised that the road which was taken by SRC is leading us to nowhere.
The only expected destination in this case is leading Zimbabwe football into oblivion, destruction, extinction and misery.
That cannot happen under our watch as supporters and we demand that SRC end this madness.
</blockquote>
Mlotshwa recently said it was now impossible to reinstate Kamambo saying doing so will be in violation of the ZIFA constitution and SRC Act. He said:
<blockquote>
It is a fact that Felton Kamambo is no longer the ZIFA president, having been recalled by his own congress.
It follows, logically, that the SRC is not able to reinstate him to that position. 
Any such attempt would, ironically, be blatantly unlawful in terms of ZIFA’s current constitution, as well as the SRC Act.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Football Fans Urge Mnangagwa To "Knock Some Sense" Into Gerald Mlotshwa

The Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association (ZISCA) says it is in support of the implementation of standardisation of coaches by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
ZISCA vice-chairman, Philani Mabhena, said they will be engaging ZIFA about how the standardisation will be implemented in the absence of CAF courses in the country. Mabhena said:
<blockquote>
We’re not saying ZIFA is wrong in implementing Club Licensing. Without a doubt, Club Licencing seeks to improve the game and as ZISCA we want it further administered to the core.
If you look at Club Licencing, it doesn’t hinder coaches that haven’t done CAF A Licence and that is why we are seeking to have a dialogue with ZIFA to communicate, share and seek clarity on how best to move forwards in absence of CAF courses in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
ZIFA is currently suspended from international football by FIFA and therefore cannot apply for CAF courses.
ZISCA said they have noted that few CAF courses have been held in neighbouring countries where they give first preference to their nationals.
Mabhena added that as ZISCA, they are hoping that the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), as well as ZIFA, will speed up the process of getting the FIFA suspension lifted. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/zimbabwe-soccer-coaches-association-in-support-of-standardisation/">The Sunday News</a>

Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association To Seek Clarity From ZIFA On Standardisation

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Restructuring Committee has handed over its final report to the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC).
The committee was established in December 2021 as part of the strategic roadmap toward addressing the challenges that have affected football management and administration in Zimbabwe.
The committee’s chairman Blessing Rugara on Wednesday told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zifa-restructuring-committee-hands-over-report/">The Herald</a> that they had submitted their report to the Sports and Recreation Commission by 23 December 2022.
The committee had been given until 31 December 2022 to complete its task. Said Rugara:
<blockquote>
We have completed the task that was mandated for us to do. I am sure there is a press release that is going to be made by the Sports Commission maybe tomorrow (today) or in the next few coming days.
The report is in three parts. The first part deals with presentations from the various stakeholders, then findings and recommendations.
There are recommendations to the ZIFA constitution which is the primary impediment to Zimbabwean football, in our view.
The committee exercised due diligence but there are obviously always challenges when you are trying to make changes to institutions such as ZIFA.
There is a lot in the report as you shall discover once it is made public. Of course, I would be pleased to see the recommendations being implemented for the betterment of the game.
We would also want to see the Government taking responsibility for football more directly so that the athletes get the level of support they need without facing impediments such as a lack of funds when they go out there.
That’s one of the major recommendations we made.
</blockquote>
The SRC suspended the ZIFA in November 2021 on allegations of abuse of funds and the sexual harassment of female referees among other charges.
In February 2022, FIFA suspended ZIFA’s membership on grounds of “third-party interference”.
As a result, all the national teams were barred from participating in international competitions until the ZIFA board is reinstated.

ZIFA Restructuring Committee Hands Over Report To SRC

South African-based Warriors players Onismor Bhasera and George Chigova have implored the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) to consider the futures of young Zimbabwean footballers and ensure that the FIFA ban on the country is lifted.
FIFA suspended Zimbabwe from international football over a year ago after the SRC, a government body, suspended the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board on allegations of corruption, mismanagement of funds, and sexual harassment.
FIFA says SRC should reinstate the Felton Kamambo-led ZIFA board for Zimbabwe to participate in international football tournaments again.
Speaking in an interview with FARPost, Bhasera, who plays for SuperSport United, said football authorities seem not to care about the future of Zimbabwean footballers. Said Bhasera:
<blockquote>
I’ve been following the events back home. It’s unfortunate that no one is considering the future of these footballers.
Some of us already made the break, but there are many still waiting for that breakthrough. Those ones have mainly been disadvantaged by the suspension.
We have been deprived at the continental and regional levels. It’s unfortunate that even player movements have slowed down since these events.
It’s the players that have suffered the most while the high offices are in an argument.
We can only wait for common ground to be reached for the sake of progress.
For the sake of our future, there must be an amicable resolution. We can’t remain stagnant in one position like this. Like other nations, we must progress.
</blockquote>
Goalkeeper George Chigova, who also plays for SuperSport United, contends that Zimbabwe’s suspension by FIFA means that local footballers have no international platform on which to showcase their talents. Said Chigova:
<blockquote>
I got an opportunity to play in South Africa after impressing during the 2013 Chan finals.
So, with the country suspended, it means no one is in a position to showcase themselves.
Many of us here in South Africa came via these tournaments. It’s the only possible breakthrough that footballers back home are waiting for.
Unfortunately, under these circumstances. It’s very hard to get such opportunities.
The future of Zimbabwean football is seriously under threat.
</blockquote>
Kenya had their suspension lifted by FIFA last month, leaving Zimbabwe as the only African country suspended from international football. | <a href="https://farpost.co.za/top-stories/supersport-united-duo-call-on-zim-authorities-to-let-bygones-be-bygones/">FARPost</a>

Warriors Duo Urge SRC And ZIFA To Let "Let Bygones Be Bygones"

Former ZIFA president Felton Kamambo and other suspended executive members have advised interim ZIFA president, Gift Banda, against distributing football equipment purchased using FIFA funds.
Kamambo and fellow board members Philemon Machana and Bryton Malandule recently wrote a letter to Banda warning him that distributing the equipment will strain future relations between ZIFA and FIFA.
The letter, which was written by the lawyers representing the suspended board members, Rubaya and Chatambudza, reads:
<blockquote>
It has come to our clients’ attention that at a meeting dubbed “The ZIFA EGM” you arranged and attended together with your colleagues and subsequently resolved to distribute football equipment purchased using FIFA funds strictly for FIFA-sanctioned programs despite previous communications from FIFA and CAF that you are to desist from utilising their financial resources.
Having previously helped yourselves to an amount equivalent to US$108 000 before you were directed through a letter by CAF and FIFA, we are at a loss as to why you and your grouping would proceed to agree to share the equipment from a donor (FIFA) who has not authorised you to do so and who has previously stated that they do not recognise you as the legitimate leaders of ZIFA and directed times without number that you should not utilise their resources.
</blockquote>
The Kamambo-led ZIFA executive was suspended by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) in November last year over allegations including misappropriations of public funds.
Banda and his team were appointed in the interim but FIFA rejected the move and demanded the reinstatement of the suspended board members.
Early this year, FIFA banned Zimbabwe from the international football family as a result, citing government interference. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002922/couple-rapes-biological-children">NewsDay</a>

Kamambo Warns Interim ZIFA President Gift Banda

The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) won by a huge margin in the Student Representative Council (SRC) elections at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) held last week.
ZINASU claimed 12 seats out of the 15 vacant seats.
ZINASU, which is believed to be sympathetic to opposition political parties, won the positions of president, vice-president, secretary-general, treasurer-general, minister of academic affairs, minister of food, health and students’ welfare, minister of information and publicity, minister of legal and constitutional affairs, and minister of sports and recreation.
The Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (ZICOSU), which is allegedly linked to ZANU PF, won only three positions. In two of those positions, they will be working with ZINASU as the positions have two ministers.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://cite.org.zw/zinasu-resoundingly-wins-nust-src-elections/">CITE</a>, ZINASU President Benon Ncube said the election process was conducted in a peaceable manner though the announcement of the results was delayed without justification. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
The campaigning process and everything went well, we didn’t have any cases of violence unlike what usually happens at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).
At NST we didn’t have any act of violence towards the students or the candidates and the election went well.
The problem only came when the results were supposed to be announced on Monday and there was a delay.
We believe it was influenced by the fact that the win surprised the administration, they never expected ZINASU to win in an online election.
So that was a problem because they were now withholding the official announcement of results but then there was nothing that was going to reverse that decision because the agents had already confirmed results and we knew everything.
</blockquote>

ZINASU Wins NUST SRC Elections By A Huge Margin

Warriors midfielder Marshall Munetsi says members of the country’s government-appointed Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) know nothing about football and got their posts through political connections.
The SRC suspended the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board in November 2021 on allegations of sexual harassment of female referees by technical staff and fraud.
FIFA responded to the move by SRC to suspend the Felton Kamambo-led ZIFA board suspending Zimbabwe from all international football competitions.
Munetsi, who plays for French club Stade de Reims, told <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/63215817">BBC Sport Africa</a> that the FIFA suspension has negatively affected the growth of Zimbabwean footballers. He said:
<blockquote>
The thing is that they never communicate with the players.
These are people who are just in positions because they maybe know someone in government. They don’t know anything about football.
For us, it hurts us a lot because this is our life. This is football and it’s something that can change a nation, that can change a lot of fortunes for the country.
They have to ask us about certain things because, if you hear the accusations, it’s something that doesn’t have anything to do with football – it’s all politics.
FIFA has a say on it, but they also have to communicate with us.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the SRC refuted Munetsi’s claims, saying its officials are not in power because of government connections but because they have gone through “a robust selection process”.
Munetsi said he supports the SRC’s quest to clean up the governance of the game in Zimbabwe but also wants the Commission to engage players. He said:
<blockquote>
This is one thing I can say to the people that are in charge: they have to communicate with the players that are involved because we have so many big players playing in Europe.
It will be a good opportunity for them to sit down and talk with us so that we can all find a way forward.
</blockquote>
But the SRC shot down Munetsi’s request saying it cannot talk to players directly as this is against the law. The SRC said:
<blockquote>
As guided by the SRC act, the SRC does not engage players directly as this is under the purview of the National Sporting Associations, who relay any key positions and updates from the SRC to their athletes.
</blockquote>

SRC Officials Know Nothing About Football, Says Munetsi

France-based Warriors midfielder Marshall Munetsi has implored the Zimbabwean government “to do the right thing” so that FIFA’s suspension of the country from international football is lifted.
FIFA banned Zimbabwe from global football in February because of governmental interference in the running of the game, which is contrary to FIFA statutes.
The suspension came after the government-appointed Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) suspended the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board in November 2021.
SRC suspended the ZIFA executives because of alleged sexual harassment of female referees by technical staff and allegations of fraud.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/63215817">BBC Africa</a>, Munetsi said the FIFA ban has stunted the growth of football in the country and that of its players. He said:
<blockquote>
This ban has affected young players who have the ambition to be like me by coming to Europe.
It’s playing for the national team which gave me the opportunity to play against big countries and big players. It’s something that is sad and frustrating for us as a country, and for players.
It’s a very complicated topic and I just hope the people involved can solve this because FIFA puts these rules [in place] to protect football.
If our government doesn’t respect this, then we don’t deserve to play. I just hope the government can do the right thing and make sure we are able to play in the coming games.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the SRC says the suspension is unlikely to be lifted before April 2023.
Zimbabwe was excluded from qualifiers for the 2023 Nations Cup because of the ban.

Munetsi Implores Govt "To Do The Right Thing" For FIFA Ban To Be Lifted

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has urged football stakeholders to wait for the official ZIFA forensic report which is set to be signed off “shortly” by the auditors.
This comes after a draft ZIFA Audit Report done by BDO Zimbabwe Chartered Accountants was recently leaked on social media.
The partial audit, which covers the period between December 1, 2018, and November 21, 2021, revealed that almost US$2 million and $112 million were spent in a manner deemed improper.
In a statement, the SRC called on football stakeholders and the public to wait until the report is presented to the ZIFA Congress at the end of this month. SRC said:
<blockquote>
There are certainly very significant sums of money received by ZIFA that cannot be accounted for during the review period of 1st December 2018 to 30th November 2021.
The auditors have not signed off on the draft forensic audit report. They will do so shortly.
The ZIFA Audit Report, once formally and procedurally presented to the restructuring committee that commissioned it, is ultimately intended for the benefit of the members of ZIFA to consider during their general meeting slated for the end of October 2022.
Accordingly, we advise stakeholders and the public alike to exercise reasonable caution in drawing any conclusions at this point.
</blockquote>
According to the leaked report, the ZIFA executive committee led by Felton Kamambo received US$100 000 in unexplained payouts.
Suspended ZIFA president Kamambo got US$20 000, the board member finance who assumed the vice-president’s role Philemon Machana received US$18 000 while the other four board members Farai Jere, Sugar Chagonda, Chikosi and Bryton Malandule each got US$15 500. | <a href="https://www.bmetro.co.zw/src-calls-for-calm-after-zifa-forensic-report-is-released/">B-Metro</a>

SRC Speaks On Leaked ZIFA Audit Report

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Executive Committee led by acting president Gift Banda met on Friday 14 October 2022, in Harare and deliberated on a number of issues affecting local football.
The ZIFA Executive Committee resolved to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on the 29th of October 2022.
ZIFA Acting General Secretary Xolisani Gwesela said the agenda of the EGM will be the Executive Committee Report, the ZIFA Executive Committee and Congress tenure and the Forensic Audit Report. He added:
<blockquote>
The Executive Committee deliberated on improving the standards of refereeing in the country citing that professional refereeing preserves the sacrosanct values of the game.
The executive committee applauded the referees’ committee and referees for improving refereeing standards through the continuous capacity development of referees, commissioners and referee assessors.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, ZIFA is still suspended from international football by FIFA following the November 2021 suspension of the elected ZIFA board that was led by Felton Kamambo by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC).
Recently, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/parliament-gives-minister-coventry-ultimatum-to-ensure-src-reverses-suspension-of-zifa-board/">members of Parliament gave Sports Minister, Kirtsy Coventry, a 31 October 2022 ultimatum</a> to ensure that the SRC reinstates the Kamambo-led ZIFA board.

ZIFA To Hold Extraordinary General Meeting On 29 October

Higher, Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Amon Murwira has justified the recent tuition fee increase at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) arguing that the government is already subsidising tertiary education in the country.
The UZ hiked fees by more than 700 per cent, with students now expected to pay an equivalent of US$1 000 per semester.
Speaking at a Press conference on Thursday as he welcomed a Russian Federation delegation that is set to tour the country’s tertiary institutions, Murwira said:
<blockquote>
If only we could compare Zimbabwe with southern Africa, we have a relatively lower level of fees. I am avoiding saying the word cheap because we are subsidising higher education.
If we were not subsiding, it would be around US$10 000. The issue with the UZ is that they met on August 18 and they agreed on the fees that they are going to charge. Let’s separate politics (from) education. We are not going to entertain that.
</blockquote>
The tuition fee hike sparked protests at the UZ’s Mt Pleasant campus that resulted in 19 students being arrested early this week.
UZ Students Representative Council (SRC) spokesperson Takunda Gift Chinoda denied claims that there was an agreement on the new fee structure. He said:
<blockquote>
As SRC we want to distance ourselves from the claim by the administration that we agreed on the 30% US dollar increment of fees.
The administration justified the fee hike whereas SRC disagreed.
</blockquote>
Chinoda called on students to continue putting pressure on UZ authorities to reverse the fee increment. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000544/minister-defends-uzs-1000-fee-hike">NewsDay</a>

Minister Murwira Defends University Of Zimbabwe Tuition Fees Hike

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has reiterated that it is not their priority to lobby for the lifting of Zimbabwe’s FIFA suspension.
In a statement released on Saturday, 10 September 2022, SRC said its focus is on the implementation of far-reaching fundamental reforms in local football which include the crafting of a new ZIFA constitution in December and the holding of elections in 2023. Pindula News is publishing the SRC statement below:
<blockquote>
<h2>TRIPARTITE MEETING WITH THE SPORTS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, ZIMBABWE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION AND THE ZIFA FOOTBALL RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEE.</h2>
On the 7th September 2022, the Sports and Recreation Commission (“SRC”), the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and the ZIFA Restructuring Committee (“Restructuring Committee’) met for the first time since the suspension of the ZIFA Executive Committee by the SRC in November 2021.
The purpose of the meeting was, in the first instance, to receive an update from ZIFA regarding the implementation of certain conditions to which the lifting of the suspension of the ZIFA Executive Committee on 8th June 2022, was subject to.
Secondly, the meeting provided an opportunity for BDO Chartered Accountants to provide a progress report on the forensic audit that they are presently carrying out on the financial affairs of ZIFA.
Lastly, the Restructuring Committee gave an update on the progress it has made in discharging the tasks forming a part of its terms of reference.
For its part, the SRC outlined its expectations for parties to start to put into place an agreed framework populated by specific tasks and deadlines (‘Implementation Matrix’) regarding matters agreed as requiring reform.
In this respect, it was noted and agreed in principle that: –
1. The BDO forensic audit report will be availed at the end of September 2022. Presently, certain of the current and former members of the ZIFA Executive Committee, as well as the General Secretary, have been asked by BDO to provide clarity and insight into certain transactions relating to the finances of ZIFA. These responses are the main outstanding issues before the report is finalized.
2. Likewise, the Restructuring Committee expects to complete its findings and final recommendations to the SRC within a period that will allow ZIFA members in a general meeting to consider the same for adoption. The recommendations will form the basis of the implementation Matrix; it being noted that the Restructuring Committee submitted its preliminary findings to the SRC in August 2022
3. Upon the submission of the final BDO forensic audit report as well as that of the Restructuring Committee, ZIFA shall convene an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of its members to consider the same. It is the expectation of the SRC that this EGM takes place in the month of October 2022.
4. Thereafter, the issues adopted during the EGM will form the basis of the Implementation Matrix (with times and deadlines for the discharge of agreed reform goals). This matrix will be made available to FIFA and CAF.
5. The same Implementation Matrix as well as the full details of the BDO forensic report and the findings and recommendations of the restructuring committee will be made available to the public in line with the SRC’s previous undertaking in this respect.
6. A key component of the Implementation Matrix is the adoption of a new constitution by the members of ZIFA in December 2022, after which and subject to the provisions of the new constitution, the holding of new elections from grassroots structures to the Executive Committee level in early 2023.
7. SRC reiterated that it was not the Commission’s priority to lobby for the lifting of ZIFA’s suspension as a member of FIFA. Its focus was on the implementation of far-reaching fundamental reforms in the administration of football in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>

Lifting Of FIFA Sanctions On Zimbabwe Not A Priority - SRC

<h2>Statement by the Sports and Recreation Commission on the appointment of a ZIFA Restructuring Committee. </h2>
<blockquote>
The Sports and Recreation Commission has appointed a ZIFA Restructuring Committee as part of its strategic roadmap towards addressing the issues that have affected football management and administration in Zimbabwe.
The appointment of the Committee is in line with the provisions of Sections 21, as well as 19(b) and 20(c) of the Sports and Recreation Commission Act.
The Restructuring Committee shall be a committee independent of the SRC, with the autonomy to discharge the functions more fully set out in its terms of reference.
The restructuring committee will not be involved in the day to day running of football in Zimbabwe which is the responsibility of the ZIFA Secretariat but will undertake matters of a strategic nature as outlined in their terms of reference.
The nine-member committee consists of notable individuals with varying skills and competencies from sports management and administration, legal and advisory, marketing and public relations to business administration and management.
Addressing the media, the Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Commission – Mr Gerald Mlotshwa extended the SRC Boards’ appreciation to the Restructuring Committee members for undertaking the task at hand which is of national interest.
Mr Mlotshwa advised the committee that whilst the committee may consult with the SRC board, no member of the Restructuring Committee shall be subject to the direction or control of any person, including any Board member of the Commission.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

FULL TEXT: SRC Appoints ZIFA Restructuring Committee

The Sports and Recreational Commission(SRC) yesterday suspended ZIFA CEO Joseph Mamutse from all football activities to pave way for an investigation into how a number of national football teams were cleared for foreign assignments, under questionable circumstances, in this Covid-19 environment, The Herald reports,
The SRC suspended one of its directors Director-General Prince Mupazviriho for the same reasons as well. This was contained in a statement that was released by the SRC Chairman Gerald Mlotshwa which stated that:
<blockquote>Notwithstanding the clear provisions of the law and related guidelines, policies and directives relating to the undertaking of external tours by football teams representing Zimbabwe, at various age and gender groups under the auspices of the Zimbabwe Football Association, the SRC board notes the persistent flouting of the aforesaid framework in place, with the attendant controversies and embarrassments to the country
Noting the need to balance the interests of athletes, against the need to hold accountable those administrators responsible for these shortcomings, the board of commissioners of the SRC has resolved as follows:-
<ol>
<li>The placement of the general-secretary/CEO of ZIFA, Joseph Mamutse, under immediate suspension from all forms of football administration pending an investigation into the circumstances under which:-</li>
</ol>
1.1 The Zimbabwe National Women’s Football Team left Zimbabwe to participate in a tournament in South Africa without the necessary approval from the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation (‘Sports Ministry’) in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (‘Health Ministry’) in light of the Covid-19 regulations and attendant directives thereto;
1.2 Regulations and attendant directives thereto;
1.3 The Zimbabwe National Under-17 Girl’s Football Team left Zimbabwe to participate in a tournament in South Africa, without the necessary approval from the Sports Ministry in conjunction with the Health Ministry, in light of the Covid-19 Regulations and attendant directives thereto;
1.4 The circumstances under which the Zimbabwe National Under-17 Boy’s Football Team left Zimbabwe to participate in a tournament in South Africa, without the necessary approval from the Sports Ministry in conjunction with the Health Ministry, in light of the Covid-19 Regulations and attendant directives thereto;
1.5 The circumstances under which the Zimbabwe National Under-17 Boy’s Football Team was nonetheless disqualified from participating in the said COSAFA tournament on allegations of including overage player(s) in the side.
<ol start="2">
<li>The placement of the director-general of the Sports &amp; Recreation Commission, Prince Mupazviriho, under immediate suspension pending an investigation into the circumstances under which ‘authority’ was purportedly granted, in retrospect, to the teams set out in 1.1 and 1.2 to travel to South Africa without the knowledge and / or authority of the SRC board as well as the Ministries of Sport and Health, above;</li>
<li>The board of commissioners notes, in light of ZIFA’s reported ‘appeal’, that the Sports Ministry has, in writing, advised ZIFA to seek an exemption from the SRC for being non-compliant, in respect of its application for clearance of the Zimbabwe National Under-20 Boys Football Team to participate at the COSAFA Boys Tournament in South Africa. Due consideration will be given to any such request for an exemption taking into account the foregoing exigencies – any final authorisation shall be at the instance of the Ministries of Sport and of Health.</li>
<li>The adherence to national laws, policies, guidelines, association and club constitutions, and other regulations, including court orders by all those charged with the administration of sport in Zimbabwe is hereby stressed. Those continuing to breach the same without thought for the consequences are hereby forewarned. The end is nigh.</li>
<li>Sebastian Garikai, director of sports and recreation development, shall be the acting director-general of the SRC pending the outcome of the investigations set out in paragraph 2 above.</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
The development came a few short days after the SRC barred the National Men’s Under 20 team which was supposed to leave for a COFASA tournament in South Africa today for the same reason they suspended Mupazviriho and Mamutse. The decision by SRC to stop the Under 20 national team from going to South Africa will likely get <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/11/26/zifa-faces-a-possible-ban-from-cosafa-champions-and-a-150k-fine/">Zimbabwe fined for missing the tournament and possibly be banned</a> from future COSAFA tournament.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/heads-roll-as-src-crack-whip/">The Herald </a>

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