The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced that the contract of Warriors head coach Baltemar Brito will expire at the end of December. ZIFA needs to negotiate a new contract and work permit for the coach, as his current contract was based on his tenure with Highlanders, which also ends on December 31. There is a risk that if ZIFA delays the process, Brito could be persuaded to work elsewhere, leaving the Warriors without a coach for upcoming assignments in the next year.
Initially, when ZIFA hired Brito two months ago to lead the Warriors in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, it was believed that his contract, along with fitness and conditioning coach Antonio Torres, would run until June 24, when the ZIFA normalisation committee’s tenure ends. However, it has now been clarified that their contracts were aligned with their time at Highlanders.
ZIFA normalisation committee chairman, Lincoln Mutasa, explained that they will need to revisit the contracts and decide whether to seek an extension. Mutasa told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200020550/warriors-risk-losing-brito">NewsDay</a>:
<blockquote>
 We gave them up to the end of December. We could not give them contracts that were different from that of Highlanders. Their contracts have to be re-visited, so we have to sit down as the normalisation committee on whether to seek to apply for an extension. Their current or initial contracts were in line with that of Highlanders.
We have to re-apply to the Registrar General’s Office in terms of them getting their work permits. When they signed, we were relying on the Highlanders’ contracts.
</blockquote>
Brito has already led the Warriors in three matches, including a friendly against Botswana and two FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria.
Brito, originally from Brazil, joined Highlanders last year and quickly impressed with their strong performance in the Premier Soccer League. ZIFA was attracted to his coaching abilities, as he has previously worked with renowned coach Jose Mourinho during his time at FC Porto in Portugal, Chelsea in England, and Inter Milan in Italy.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

Brito's Contract As Warriors Coach Expires At The End Of December - ZIFA

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>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZIFA Launches CAF African Schools Football Championship Funded By Motsepe Foundation

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has appointed Yvonne Mapika Manwa as the association’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
In a statement seen by Pindula News, the association said Manwa has years of experience in senior leadership and football administration positions. 
<blockquote>
𝗭𝗜𝗙𝗔 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗬𝗩𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗞𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗪𝗔 𝗔𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗘𝗙 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗥 
The Zimbabwe Football Association is pleased to announce that Yvonne Mapika Manwa has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer effective 1 November 2023. In this role, Mrs Manwa will be responsible for leading the Zimbabwe Football Association secretariat into its next phase under the Normalisation Committee. Mrs Manwa has years of experience in senior leadership and football administration positions, having been the Chief Executive Officer of elite football club, Ngezi Platinum Stars. 
</blockquote>
ZIFA Chairperson Lincoln Mutasa expressed confidence that Manwa would lead the association to greater heights. He said:
<blockquote>
We are thrilled to welcome Mrs Manwa to our team, and we believe her experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue on the mission to transform Zimbabwean football.
</blockquote>
Manwa has been appointed as the new CEO of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) after <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/10/10/fifa-reject-nyasha-kadenge-appointment-as-zifa-chief-executive-officer/">FIFA rejected the previous candidate, Nyasha Kadenge</a>. FIFA instructed ZIFA to conduct background checks on all potential candidates, and Kadenge did not meet the ethical requirements set by FIFA. Kadenge had previously faced disciplinary action at Ngezi Platinum Stars, where she was later dismissed without reasons being disclosed. Following her departure from Ngezi, she briefly worked at a Tanzanian club before returning to Zimbabwe.

<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/10/10/fifa-reject-nyasha-kadenge-appointment-as-zifa-chief-executive-officer/">FIFA Reject Nyasha Kadenge Appointment As ZIFA Chief Executive Officer</a></li>
</ul>
ZIFA has been without a permanent CEO for nearly two years since Joseph Mamutse went absent without leave in protest against the dismissal of the then-president Felton Kamambo. Xolisani Gwesela had been serving as the acting CEO until the Normalisation Committee dissolved his position. The Technical Director, Wilson Mutekede, and the General Manager of National Teams, Wellington Mpandare, also faced similar outcomes.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZIFA Has Appointed Yvonne Mapika Manwa As CEO

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), has said the male and female national football teams – Warriors and Mighty Warriors – should receive direct budgetary and administrative support from the government.
The SRC made the recommendations in a statement titled, “<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zifa-restructuring-committee-hands-over-report-to-src/">Presentation of Key Recommendations of the ZIFA Restructuring Committee</a>.” Read in part the statement seen by Pindula News:
<blockquote>
<h2>5.2 The Warriors and Mighty Warriors</h2>
The committee recommended that these national teams should be housed in a structure that receives direct budgetary and administrative support from Government whilst ensuring that FIFA rules are respected in so far as the principle of non-interference is concerned.
<h2>5.3 Junior Football</h2>
The committee recommended that ZIFA develop a standardized system to rate academy programs and school programs.
There should be developed a national database for all junior players that is functional and easily accessible.
Additionally, ZIFA should develop and support quality leagues and competitions accessible for all ages and skill levels.
<h2>5.4 Women’s Football</h2>
Women should be empowered to manage their own affairs in football. Key to this is allowing them to have direct access to FIFA funding so that it is applied to purposes intended. Women should be included at all levels of the game’s administration on a quota system.
<h2>5.5 Facilities</h2>
ZIFA should be at the forefront, either with FIFA’s assistance, or through effective lobbying of Government and local authorities, of developing facilities that encourage use for football games at a professional and recreational level. 
There should be a FIFA-rated national training centre. ZIFA village is not fit for purpose.
<h2>5.6 Communication &amp; Marketing</h2>
ZIFA relies almost exclusively on FIFA and CAF funding for its operations. It was recommended that ZIFA invest in senior business strategy and marketing positions. It should respect and maximize partnerships and retail opportunities and identify new revenue streams. ZIFA should be run as a business, not as a fiefdom or cabal.
<h2>5.7 Development of Administrators</h2>
Office bearers, administrators and coaches must have minimal CAF and FIFA qualifications and/or training. Coaching standards must be set and regulated.
<h2>5.8 Football in Schools</h2>
ZIFA should develop a specific strategy as part of a five-year plan for fostering football in the school system, especially for girls.
</blockquote>
The SRC also said it had provided the findings and recommendations of the restructuring committee to the Executive Committee of ZIFA for the purposes of drafting a roadmap. 
The committee also said once they are on the same page with ZIFA, the two organisations will then approach FIFA for endorsement.
SRC suspended the ZIFA board then led by Felton Kamambo for alleged maladministration and sexual abuse of female referees. The move attracted a ban on Zimbabwean football by FIFA which accused the government of interfering with the sport. Zimbabwe remains banned.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Warriors, Mighty Warriors Should Receive Direct Budgetary Support From Govt" - SRC

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Football_Association_(ZIFA)">Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)</a> interim executive committee has distributed equipment that was supplied by FIFA despite being ordered not to do so by the world governing body.
Earlier this year, FIFA warned ZIFA against utilising their funds and resources on the grounds that the interim team led by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gift_Banda">Gift Banda</a> was not legitimate.
FIFA wrote to ZIFA in July this year after they gathered that the board had used US$108 000 that came from the global body under the administration led by Felton Kamambo, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200005621/zifa-risks-fifas-wrath">NewsDay</a> reported.
Read part of the FIFA letter which was written by CAF general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba:
<blockquote>
Please note that a breach of this directive will be regarded as a violation of the Fifa Council decision dated February 24, 2022, as ratified by the Fifa congress on March 31, 2022, and may subject Zifa or the officials involved to disciplinary sanctions. 
A suspended member association may not exercise any of its membership rights.
Such rights being defined in Article 13 of the Fifa statutes. Consequently, Caf hereby directs Zifa to immediately cease using and accessing any funds deposited by Fifa or Caf in the Zifa accounts.
</blockquote>
The Kamambo-led board was dissolved by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) last year over various charges, which include misappropriation of funds as well as failure to deal with reports of sexual exploitation of female referees.
The dissolution of the board prompted <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zifa-suspension-football-stakeholders-speak-as-zimbabwe-faces-fifa-ban/">FIFA to suspend Zimbabwe from international football citing government interference.</a>
Meanwhile, ZIFA has reportedly started distributing football equipment that was purchased using FIFA funds for FIFA-sanctioned programmes.
The football equipment is reportedly not benefiting the originally targeted recipients, with allegations that the executive committee members are converting some of it to personal use.
Banda, the Njube-Lobengula legislator, earlier this month held an eight-team Under-17 tournament in his constituency, where participating teams received football equipment.
Kamambo has warned Banda against distributing the football equipment, saying doing so would strain future relations between ZIFA and FIFA.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ZIFA Distributes FIFA Equipment Despite FIFA Ordering It Not To

The forensic audit report into the financial activities of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) which was released to the public on Thursday suggests that over US$600 000 and $73 000 000 could not be accounted for.
The 54-page report seen by Pindula News was produced by BDO Zimbabwe Chartered Accountants. The auditors audited ZIFA books of accounts in the period 1 December 2018 and 30 November 2021 during which the association was led by Felton Kamambo. Read part of the report:
<blockquote>
<h2>Africa Cup of Nations 2019 (AFCON) Charter plane </h2>
ZIFA sought quotations and prepared and approved a budget for costs to be incurred in preparing for and during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 tournament which was to be held in Cairo, Egypt in June 2019. ZIFA then wrote to the Sports and Recreation Commission requesting for budgetary support. The budget included US$57,000 for airfares to the tournament”. 
We, however, noted that on 12 June 2019, the ZIFA Emergency Committee approved the chartering of a plane to Cairo at a cost of US$150,000. This means ZIFA overspent by an amount of US$93,000 on travel costs alone”.
The minutes of the Emergency Committee meeting which were availed to us were not signed and no justification has been given to us as to why this decision was made. 
</blockquote>
Maladministration is one of the accusations that were raised by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) when it suspended the Felton Kamambo-led ZIFA board.
<blockquote>
<a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ZIFA-Report_final.pdf">ZIFA-Report_final</a>
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Audit Report: ZIFA Overspent US$93k On Travel Costs Alone During AFCON 2019

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Football_Association_(ZIFA)">Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sports_and_Recreation_Commission">Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC)</a> have indicated that they are in no hurry to get the country’s FIFA suspension lifted. 
Gerald Mlotshwa, who was presenting ZIFA’s forensic audit, Thursday, said the lifting of the suspension was not their priority, adding that they were prepared to face off with FIFA even if it meant extending the fight beyond a lifetime.
Zimbabwe was suspended in February after the Mlotshwa-led SRC sacked the then ZIFA president <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Felton_Kamambo">Felton Kamambo</a> alongside his board members that include Philemon Machana and Joseph Mamutse. Said Mlotshwa:
<blockquote>
The lifting of the suspension is not a priority, let us get that out of our heads, our priority is the process to clean up our football,” 
We are not in a rush at this point in time to go to FIFA and say lift the suspension. They will ask us whether we have cured all the things we gave as reasons when we suspended the ZIFA board, we are not there yet.
When you restructure or implement reforms, that is not an overnight process, that process has already started and it started when we suspended the executive committee and it is an ongoing one with certain milestones.
I will tell you that the reform process does not stop, you are continuously developing yourself, FIFA itself has already said we are underwriting this. DO not misunderstand this however as an indication that FIFA will then automatically lift the suspension.
ZIFA will approach FIFA and formally ask for lifting of that suspension when we feel that we are ready to do so. This will be an ongoing process and might even outlive you.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has, since the suspension, missed out on the COSAFA Cup finals, AFCON and World Cup qualifiers while clubs were not included in the 2022 and next year’s African Safaris.
Kenya, which was suspended at around the same time as Zimbabwe has been re-admitted by FIFA after its government withdrew its decision to suspend football federation officials in hopes of ‘cleaning the football mess there.’ 
Mlotshwa’s sentiments, supported by ZIFA president Gift Banda, come at a time calls for Zimbabwe to be re-admitted into the football mother body’s fold have grown.
Players and administrators have joined in the push for re-admission which, according to FIFA, can only be done when the Kamambo-led ZIFA executive committee has been reappointed.
Banda said they were in agreement with the SRC that the football in Zimbabwe has to be cleaned.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News </a></h2>

"ZIFA Will Approach FIFA When We Feel Ready To Do So, The Process Might Outlive You"

Members of Parliament have given Sports Minister, Kirtsy Coventry an ultimatum to ensure that the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has reinstated the suspended ZIFA board led by Felton Kamambo.
SRC suspended the board over allegations of ed administration and sexual assault prompting FIFA to suspend the southern African country over “government interference” with the sport.
In a document titled “The State of football administration in Zimbabwe,” which was presented to Parliament, the Portfolio Committee on Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation said:
<blockquote>
The committee expressed its concern on (the) overwhelming public outcry following the ban imposed on Zimbabwe by Fifa.
It is, indeed, in the interest of the public at large and the soccer governing board in particular, to get the country back on the international scene in the world of football. As observed by Fifa, government interference in football matters has far-reaching implications that can undermine the country’s ability to enjoy the potential benefits that can accrue from participating at international fora.
As such, there is need to observe and respect both the national and international statues, rules and regulations governing football administration.
Therefore, the committee implores the SRC to reverse its decision and implement recommendations by Fifa so as to allow the country to participate in international football competitions.
The committee made the following observations: 6.1 by October 31, 2022 the Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation ministry should ensure that SRC board has repealed its decision of;
(a) November 26, 2020 which suspended the Zifa general secretary;
(b) November 16, 2021 which suspended the Zifa board and;
(c) December 17, 2021 which established the Zifa restructuring committee; in order to pave way for the lifting of the ban imposed by Fifa on Zimbabwe from participating in international football competitions.
</blockquote>
The parliamentary committee is chaired by Chivi North MP Mathias Tongofa and some of its notable members include acting Zifa president Gift Banda and ex-Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda. 
The parliamentary committee also called for amendments to section 34 of the SRC Act [Chapter 25:15].
An official in the SRC board who spoke in his own capacity said SRC would only be guided by the findings of the forensic audit into ZIFA’s financial affairs which is set to be released soon. The official told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
The report is obviously authored by Omega Sibanda, with very little input or even knowledge of the other committee members. It is riddled with embarrassing errors.
The recommendations violate both international and domestic law norms, and display an alarming ignorance of the governance shortcomings within Zifa; luckily Fifa has acknowledged these shortcomings by banning a senior Zifa official for sexual harassment of female referees.
</blockquote>
The official said the committee’s recommendations implicitly condone sexual harassment and other corrupt practices within the running of football and tread upon the statutory mandate and independence of the SRC.
The ban has affected players and Zimbabwe has since missed some competitions much to the annoyance of football lovers.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Parliament Gives Minister Coventry Ultimatum To Ensure SRC Reverses Suspension Of ZIFA Board

Football players in the Kenyan topflight league clubs have refused to play football until the deadlock between the country’s government and FIFA has been resolved.
Like Zimbabwe, Kenya was banned by FIFA over government interference in the administration of the game.
The two nations are banned from taking part in any FIFA-sanctioned event and were booted out of continental competitions for both the national teams and the clubs.
Kenyan football teams have taken a stand to stop playing in the topflight league, hoping to force their government to mend its relations with FIFA.
According to the Nation, Gor Mahia chief executive Raymond Oruo read a joint statement from the 18 topflight clubs, saying the teams would only honour fixtures when the current standoff between FIFA and the Kenyan government is resolved.
The clubs on Wednesday said they would not take part in the 2022/23 season. Oruo said:
<blockquote>
We will not take part in any competition that is not recognised or sanctioned by world governing body because it is really a waste of investment and time and very little return coming through.
</blockquote>
He said the failure of Kenyan club Tusker to participate in the Caf Champions League was one of the issues which informed their decision.
In Zimbabwe, football players have been taking to social media to express their frustrations at the ban on Zimbabwe by FIFA, also hoping to influence the local authorities to act to get the ban lifted.
Recently, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) said getting the ban lifted was not one of its priorities, but would rather press on with its ZIFA restructuring exercise which could culminate in elections next year.
FIFA previously indicated that it will endorse the outcome of the ZIFA elections stressing that the ban can only be lifted if ZIFA board members Felton Kamambo, Philemon Machana and Bryton Malandule are reinstated.
They were fired last year when SRC dissolved the board last year over alleged maladministration.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Footballers In Kenyan Topflight League Clubs Refuse To Play Over FIFA Ban

The Zimbabwe Football Association has warned stakeholders about entering into agreements with illegitimate representatives of the association saying such deals are null and void. There has been confusion following the suspension of the ZIFA board over alleged maladministration. Pindula News presents the association’s statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>PRESS STATEMENT: ALLEGED ZIFA DECISIONS &amp; OBTAINING OBLIGATION ARISING THEREOF </h2>
The Board has learnt through various media articles that certain decisions that are a preserve of the ZIFA Board are being taken on behalf of ZIFA. The ZIFA Board would want to inform all stakeholders that any such decisions, contracts or agreements reached under the auspices of ZIFA are null and void ab initio and therefore of no legal effect. The ZIFA Board advises stakeholders that anyone who goes into contractual relationship with ZIFA in the absence or without express authority of the legitimate ZIFA Board is doing so at their own risk and that ZIFA will not honor any obligations arising out of such agreements even is such are on ZIFA letterheads or purportedly signed by any member of the ZIFA secretariat but without express ZIFA Board authority. Of particular note is the fact that the ZIFA Board has not appointed any National Team Coach neither have it appointed any Acting General Secretary 
As mentioned in our previous releases Mr Mamutse remains the bonafide and substantive CEO of ZIFA but like the ZIFA Board has also been physically precluded from carrying out his lawful duties by the SRC even after an appeal was lodged.
We urge all stakeholders to be very careful on the agreements they may think they are entering with ZIFA and the risk such may carry in terms of FIFA statutes. We urge these to demand that they sign whatever contracts with the real institution they are contracting, which in this case is the SRC, with to safeguard and enforce their interests in cases of defaults. The ZIFA Board also note that the SRC Board has illegally usurped the ZIFA Board powers by clandestinely assuming the role of an interim committee and such is totally against FIFA and ZIFA statutes.
Once again. we urge for calmness and sober reflection by those that continue making the terrible blunders before we get to point of no return. There is still time though limited of self correction by those responsible for the mess we are currently in and being perpetuated.
By Order of the ZIFA Board.
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Deals Made In Absence Of Legitimate ZIFA Board Are Null And Void - ZIFA

Steve Vickers, Star FM’s head of Sport has recorded that a handful of people had entered the National Sports Stadium 30 minutes before the match kickoff. Although some attributed the absence of supporters to lack of confidence in the local football governing board, Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), some say the biting economy was the huge contributing factor. See picture below.
<img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFEY3qjW4AAMGzD?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>

PICTURE: Empty Stadium 30 Minutes Before Zim V Lesotho Match

Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced that a World Cup preliminary qualifier match against Somalia has been postponed and also moved from the original pitch, Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo. In a statement, ZIFA said:
<blockquote>The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) wishes to advise all football stakeholders that following a request from the Somali Football Federation (SFF) and consultations with the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) our 2022 World Cup preliminary qualifier against Somalia has been rescheduled.
The match will now be played on Tuesday 10 September 2019 after SFF failed to secure flights to Zimbabwe in time for the initial fixture date which was Sunday September 8.
The venue of the match has also been moved from Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo to the National Sports Stadium in Harare because we already have another international match scheduled for Barbourfields on the 10th of September, the Under 23 Zimbabwe/South Africa Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Kick off remains 3 pm and gate charges are also unchanged.
We understand the inconvenience this development presents to all stakeholders and we unreservedly apologise for the unexpected developments.
In the spirit of fair play , African solidarity, brotherhood and togetherness, we felt the Somali Football Federation’s request was reasonable and sincere, thus we had to consent, otherwise the match would not have taken place at all.
The world governing body, FIFA have also commended ZIFA for this wonderful gesture.
All those who had already purchased tickets will still use the same tickets and for those who cannot make the trip to Harare, we have authorised our ticketing partner, ClicknPay, to accept requests for refunds.
We appeal to all stakeholders to continue supporting the team and to come to the National Sports Stadium for this massive international match.
ZIFA also encourages fans to buy tickets for this match online at <a data-sigil="MLynx_asynclazy" href="https://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clicknpay.africa%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0c8-iwUb36aXwu5weArX7Vfx1_OnrxuO8wfySpxWNTsjz2lGa6dx2zQgE&amp;h=AT0Y-W_1ElzfBD5IAkKnwkp0E9O7Wi9YbPGqji0x1WzXXMGW8eBYU_3krxexFJFbzsC_d5ewuXZIAE3w32Tpjq9hiNc-Aw3H4k18Vrtu6Vr1lECA53jD1Jdtv7U1XYNjDviLn9wrNUZGWOWuhhl5YQoVRDOg2renAV9pUvMCQn3OgfZhccNpKU7kdvzzdpQflfxEESIViQLeAhZXRl9MIfRV833AvRFBZfzVEb8rl4fQpM2JORBWiA7M4JdfevgRtlgA1818xls6vjyMV6Aqpw8oXJaRqTBPt_CviRrabPuGYMA4uC5AmkZRiQR81aQ4JtAzxbipjCLJdl3KTyOUDcspDE9BFJYZgvoxOuYrYoOCQi_7bfy8RplPVK3g2S6PzMnQ6aY8OxGEXN9K3czPVQTKSb0zUUfAtpL7-Jdhay4HjPfxbUxn7UVKC6oezn5R7Z-OCdYIvZG1uqddySIWkQXon4sF_yuo8dVHV6OmgvCXARcc2HSzvE3MhwxxWMdrxFFOA0M3eX9NIPwoGMFkQVh5CVdottGX20kbwiGxmMulgoAfni7Un2m93ieVmevFgHUPWpned1h75QqG5DChH9tlJrEGqMupEzfZjoj6p9CB52tfoLf_ueTD4BKmgcqBTtaEGv4QTKXQspi22WjGuP2o8L5CR3x72h8bh8I_oHtYMeR9dmZijpd0Q3Sd1wWFJiSAFqMyTnpNX0yib1CrWQs0cr4CDKLSY9yjLy6CS5yKjcwspM7G5cKkuvitT1CU8-rRZO9VcyHohKL-RXnD-g9_X_L5zIReG4SGlAND-h2tqdCLwIrKf5JGh7now3gpRkO7kJKnqmekrOu9-wmUSdcumqwMB_4ipx7iV3gplWe5CxH4_XIq9c_QCyk7RpCDW_3iuSfjpmkoOf-LFVPOYjTtuAJjQDItby6Hm5baH5ifBtqMQtv4bdPVpyl9xGQwCrK4WBVxeKRBdK0Apyw6ZZF_jLqwfF3LtIwi2kd_VcbBuASON6K4KlG_UP9iWhbB8LcdAwO7Fv405zm3K0nVWNwShgQ1kZ0C1z2TLr2tjSuaroM1mn0mjiVYZPal3CB28l2HD0NcWGk2xepGXvj1JzjRGDaPvD4SoZT7aAOpJO4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.clicknpay.africa.</a>
Gate Charges
Rest of ground : $10 
Bay 15-18 : $20 
VIP : $50
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE ZIMBABWE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (ZIFA)
XOLISANI GWESELA, COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPETITIONS MANAGER</blockquote>

FULL TEXT: Warriors World Cup Qualifier Against Somalia Postponed & Moved From BF

Two Zimbabwean football referees have been accused of accepting bribes when they officiated in an Under-23 African Cup of Nations qualifier in March this year.
It is reported that ZIFA Referees’ Committee has already suspended one of the accused after he allegedly refused to respond to the allegations. The committee has asked him to write a report explaining what really transpired. Bryton Maladule who heads the committee however said:
<blockquote>No-one one has been suspended, it’s just speculation.</blockquote>
The Herald sources claim that the particular match, which was eventually won by the North African country, featured four Zimbabwean match officials. They also said that the referee had been suspended and CAF have already been appraised of the developments. The sources said:
<blockquote>He will not be officiating any local games in the foreseeable future as investigations are underway.
The other one, who was also targeted, is said to have given his side of the story, but we don’t know what exactly he told the committee.</blockquote>
<div class="sirius-dfp-inarticle">It is alleged that a Zimbabwean referee, Norman Matemera last year rejected a US$10 000 bribe by Equatorial Guinea outfit Desportivo Niefang. The bribe was meant to make him influence the result of their decisive CAF Confederation Cup play-off tie against Cote d’Ivoire’s Williamsville Athletic Club.</div>
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More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/2-zim-referees-in-bribery-storm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a>

2 Zimbabwean Referees Fingered In A Bribery Scandal

The Zifa Football Association (Zifa) has released the schedule of fees that people need to pay in order to run in the Zifa elections. To run for any post in the National Executive Committee, $200 is needed for the Nomination Form while $5 500 is needed for election fee for anyone who wants to contest for the presidency. The incumbent president is Phillip Chiyangwa.
The fees are as below:
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-52684" decoding="async" height="554" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 644px) 100vw, 644px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ZIFA-ELECTION-FEES.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ZIFA-ELECTION-FEES.jpg 644w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ZIFA-ELECTION-FEES-300x258.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ZIFA-ELECTION-FEES-600x516.jpg 600w" width="644"/>

Zifa Sets Election Participation Fees, $5500 To Contest For President

Zifa President Philip Chiyangwa told The Chronicle that they are not looking for a substantive coach because they do not have the money.
Said Chiyangwa:
<blockquote>We are not hunting for a substantive coach; we are not there yet because we have no money. The media keeps pushing us, but we have no money for that.</blockquote>
This means FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza and his backroom staff might see through the senior national team’s 2019 Total African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/zifa-not-hunting-for-substantive-coach/">Chronicle</a>

Broke Zifa not looking for substantive coach

The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has cleared the air regarding a potential match fixing scandal where Whawha paid referees prior to their assignments with ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela saying that theygave a directive through the Zifa Referees’ Committee to allow referees to be paid directly into their accounts prior to matches.
Said Gwasela:
<blockquote>We were seized with that issue after referees complained that it was taking long for them to access their monies after officiating at games. An arrangement was made to deposit the money into the Zifa account, but we realised that it was going to result in logistical challenges hence it was agreed that the monies be paid directly to the respective referees. This was communicated to the regions through the Zifa Referees’ Committee and it is the only way we could avert the cash crunch. We do not see any problems in such an arrangement, but as long as it is done above board and issues of match fixing do not arise.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/zifa-clear-air-on-referees-storm/">Chronicle</a>

Zifa clears match fixing scandal in Central Region Soccer League

Zifa High Performance Committee (HPC) is expected to meet next week to discuss and recommend a substantive coach for the Warriors ahead of the start of the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in June.|
Zifa vice president Omega Sibanda chairs the committee that also includes vice chair Sunday Chidzambwa, Rahman Gumbo, Moses Chunga, retired referee Masimba Chihowa and Edmore Chogugudza. On Tuesday, Sibanda said:
<blockquote>The HPC will be meeting sometime next week to discuss and recommend a coach for the Warriors. Take note that the committee is just there to recommend and the Zifa executive would make a decision. It’s the executive that will have the final say. We still have time, the Afcon qualifications are only there in June so we will have the coach in place before the end of the month.</blockquote>
It is understood that although Zifa were impressed with Norman Mapeza following a 0-0 draw against Zambia, they 
are unwilling to accept the idea of him doubling as both FC Platinum and Warriors coach.
More: <a href="http://www.newzimbabwe.com/sports-35590-ZIFA+team+meets+over+Warriors+coach/sports.aspx">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

ZIFA High Performance Committee to meet next week to decide on Warriors coach

At an an extraordinary meeting that took place today, the Zimbabwe Football Association ruled that the PSL will only relegate two teams and promote four teams meaning the league will have 18 teams in 2017. However it remains to be seen whether the PSL will accept the ruling after it filed the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
A statement from Zifa read:
<blockquote>Zimbabwe Football Association assembly members held an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting on 7 January 2017 in Harare where they unanimously agreed that TWO (2) teams will be relegated from the Premier Soccer League for the season which ended in November 2016 while FOUR (4) teams will be promoted from the regional leagues to play in the 2017 PSL season.
The congress also agreed that there shall be an amendment to article 21 of the ZIFA constitution which deals with the number of delegates who constitute the ZIFA assembly since the resolution made at the meeting automatically increases the number of delegates from 62 to 64.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.soccer24.co.zw/2017/01/07/premier-soccer-league-will-18-teams-says-zifa/">Soccer24</a>

ZIFA makes ruling on PSL relegation issue, says league will have 18 teams

Warriors Allowances and Bonuses Impasse
The Zimbabwe Football Association apologises to all football stakeholders in Zimbabwe and particularly to the Acting President Cde. Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Honourable. Makhosini Hlongwane, the Sports and Recreation Commission and our valued sponsors for the failure by the Zimbabwe senior men’s team to attend the scheduled send-off ceremony at Rainbow Towers hotel in Harare and the team’s consequent failure to travel to Cameroon for an international friendly match.
Background 
The Warriors qualified for the AFCON Finals to be held in Gabon starting on the 14th of January 2017. The ZIFA Executive Committee acquired sponsorship for the tournament from NetOne and the Government of Zimbabwe to the tune of US$1 250 000 after several months of fundraising efforts to ensure that the trip is successful.
The Basis of the Impasse
Camping Accommodation. 
The ZIFA Executive Committee upgraded the ZIFA village to manage the escalating accommodation costs for all national teams; however, the players refused to camp at this site citing what they termed ‘deplorable’ living conditions despite the acquisition of new furniture and a facelift of the facility. The reason behind ZIFA’s choice of this camping site was to ensure that most of the funds raised would go towards players’ welfare instead of settling astronomical accommodation bills. ZIFA believes that the state of the village is better than the lodgings which the team used during the qualification stages of the tournament. The association is open to allow stakeholders to take a tour of the village to verify this assertion. However, to allow for the preparation to continue and to preserve the image of our sponsors, ZIFA had to compromise to allow the team to check into Rainbow Towers hotel thus further depleting the little resources at hand.
Allowances 
ZIFA, before the $1,000,000 injection, submitted an initial proposal to the team for allowances and bonuses totaling US$ 1 617 024. 99, which was countered by the players with their proposal totaling $2 933 150.ZIFA further revised the proposal after acquiring the US$1 000 000 injection from the Government by passing the entire $1,000,000 to the Team giving a final figure of US$ 2 645 525 a figure which was now very close to the players’ initial demand of US$2 933 150. Again, the players changed goal posts and submitted another counter proposal of US$ 5 737 250. 
The second proposal from ZIFA would result in each player getting around $67,000 for a successful AFCON campaign with the Group stages earning each player an appearance fee of US$ 1 000 per match, $2000 winning bonus per match and US$6 000 qualification bonus for proceeding to the next stage. Furthermore, each player would get US$ 50 local daily allowance and $100 foreign daily allowance.
On the contrary the players demands are as follows; 
Local Daily Allowances – US$ 150 
Foreign Daily Allowances – US$ 500 
Appearance Fees Group Stage – US$ 5 000 
Winning Bonuses Group Stages – US$ 6 000 
Qualification Bonus – US$ 475 000
The above figures if implemented would require a total of US$2 057 750 for the first 3 matches in the Group Stages, a situation which cannot be sustained by the current cash flows!
Timing and Form of Payments 
Based on the available resources and the fact that the budget is partly funded by prize money as we progress in the tournament, the players would like to get their money as the tournament progresses. This situation is not sustainable as the AFCON proceeds are only disbursed at least 30 days after the completion of the tournament.Furthermore, the players would like to be paid their money in cash and have demanded to have all their money carried to Gabon in cash which is in violation of the exchange control regulations and it is impossible considering the current cash challenges in the country. ZIFA had proposed that the players would have their money wired by the sponsors directly into their accounts at every stage of the tournament.
Other Requests 
Players are also demanding that over and above the US$ 5 700 000 they be paid US$ 250 000 as qualification bonus before departure for making the AFCON finals and outstanding bonuses from the Malawi match played in 2014 totaling US$ 43 000. 
The above issues have contributed to the deterioration of the situation which resulted in the team embarrassing the entire nation through their conduct on Friday, 6 January 2017. As the supreme football authority, ZIFA totally condemns the behavior portrayed by the team and their desire to hold the whole nation to ransom in their quest to earn money that this economy cannot sustain. Their behavior has put the game of football into disrepute and dashed any hopes that ZIFA had of bringing on board other potential partners as the tournament progressed.
Way Forward
ZIFA remains committed to ensuring that the AFCON tournament is successful and football’s reputation is restored. 
A full investigation is underway, and should any element of sabotage be detected; action will be taken to ensure that those involved will face the full wrath of the association. 
ZIFA will further take action to ensure that Zimbabwe is indeed represented at the AFCON finals. 
ZIFA will take advantage of the Congress Meeting set for 7 January to discuss this matter and seek lasting solutions to avoid recurrence. 
Once again the ZIFA Executive Committee is deeply sorry for this impasse and would like to see football developing and players showcasing their talents at the highest level and being ambassadors of Zimbabwe in this regard. 
On behalf of the Zimbabwe Football Association,
Joseph Mamutse 
Acting Chief Executive Officer

ZIFA apologises to the nation - Press Statement

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has postponed the announcement of the final Warriors squad for AFCON 2017 to Thursday.
CAF’s deadline for squad submission is today and ZIFA communications manager Xolisani Gwesela indicated that the Warriors technical team has already decided on its final 23 players that will submitted to CAF today. ZIFA advised media houses in a press release today (Wednesday) that Callisto Pasuwa will announce the squad at a press conference tomorrow.
More: <a href="http://www.soccer24.co.zw/2017/01/04/16230/">Soccer24</a>

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