Online Reporter
Onward Gangata
ZIFA has appointed a four-member commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sheasham’s withdrawal from the Central Region Soccer League a fortnight ago.
The committee will be chaired by legal and governance expert Ringisai Kudzanai Hillario Mapondera, Lupane State University athletics director, Jabulani Mpofu is also part of the committee, together with Zimbabwe Volleyball Association vice president (Technical and Development), Ms. Morelet Mathema.
Former referee, Andrew Pamire completes the committee, whose mandate is to establish facts, assess procedural compliance, and recommend measures to strengthen fairness, integrity, and transparency within league management.
ZIFA gave the committee seven working days to come up with a comprehensive report. According to the country’s football governing authorities, the mandate of the committee shall be:
“Investigate the circumstances surrounding Sheasham FC’s withdrawal from the ZCRSL, including any related complaints,” reads a statement from ZIFA.
“Determine whether Sheasham FC exhausted all internal remedies available under the ZIFA Statutes and ZCRSL regulations prior to withdrawal;
“Assess the response of the ZCRSL to any complaints lodged by Sheasham FC; and submit a written report of findings and recommendations to the ZIFA Executive Committee.”
Sheasham pulled out of the Central Region citing an unfair playing field in the race for promotion, accusing the region of siding with log leaders, Kwekwe based Hard Rock.
However, the ZIFA executive committee, rebuffed the Central Region’s acceptance of Sheasham’s withdrawal noting that the club was still part of the league and urged for an amicable resolution to the Gweru side’s grievances.
The Construction boys as Sheasham are affectionately known, respected the decision by the ZIFA executive and returned to the league when they resoundingly beat Dulibadzimu United 4-0 at Bata stadium last Saturday.
This week, Sheasham are away to ZRP Gwanda while Hard Rock face off against Grain Tigers in a Kwekwe derby at Mbizo stadium on Sunday.
