Fifa agents examination set for tomorrow

The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) is set to hold a Fifa Football Agent examinations tomorrow. Zifa says this year’s examination has attracted 68 applicants, a significant increase from the inaugural one held last year.

The first test in Zimbabwe, held in September 2023, saw 10 applicants, with four sitting for the examinations and one passing.
Zifa chief executive officer, Yvonne Manwa, said: “As an association, we are committed to fostering a transparent and professional environment for football agents and look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on the sport in Zimbabwe.”

The examination lasts 60 minutes and comprises 20 multiple choice questions designed to test knowledge of Fifa regulations and the football transfer system. The re-introduction of the Fifa Football Agent examinations in 2023 marked a critical step by Fifa to ensure the highest standards of integrity and professionalism within the sport.

The initiative was aimed at addressing the rising concerns of malpractice among Member Associations. At present, Zimbabwe boasts six Fifa approved agents. It is anticipated that the increase in the number of qualified agents will significantly reduce the incidents of athletes falling prey to unlicensed agents.

The six approved agents at present are Gibson Mahachi, Denford Mutashu, Garikayi Gilbert Sengwe, George Deda, Lindela Tshuma and Adonis Ndaimana Sithole.They have since formed an association and Mahachi is the chairman and Tshuma, secretary-general.The examination process will see successful candidates gaining official recognition from Fifa and necessitate the payment of an annual licence fee to the global governing body.

The present crop paid US$600 at the beginning of the year.Since last September, the world football governing body has been directly involved in the monitoring of player agents following an increase in the number of cases in which players have been duped.

However, Zimbabwe still has several unlicensed player representatives who are operating and brokering deals both on the local and international markets.Some of these agents have been fleecing players by demanding huge kickbacks for securing moves. — @innocentskizoe.