Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Sports and Recreation Commission have suspended the duo of Onismo Nhondova and Zanele Nkomazana from all forms of aquatic sport administration and activities across all aquatic disciplines for a period of five years.
Nhondova was the Zimbabwe Aquatic union president and Nkomazana was the Zimbabwe Swimming chairperson.
In a statement released by the SRC yesterday, the suspension is with immediate effect.
“The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) wishes to inform stakeholders that Mr Onismo Nhondova and Ms Zanele Nkomazana, both officials of Zimbabwe Aquatics, have been suspended from all forms of aquatic sport administration and activities across all aquatic disciplines, with immediate effect, for a period of five (5) years.
“This decision has been taken in the national interest and in accordance with Section 30 of the Sports and Recreation Commission Act [Chapter 25:15],” reads the statement.
“The suspension follows a period of sustained instability within Zimbabwe Aquatics, particularly in the Swimming discipline, which has had a detrimental impact on athletes and key stakeholders.
“The SRC remain committed to restoring stability, integrity, and proper governance within the sport. Stakeholders will be kept informed of any further developments.”
According to close sources to the ongoings at ZAU, differences between the two officials – Nhondova and Nkomazana, led to instability within swimming.
And after failing to address the differences, despite a directive from the Sports Commission late last year to address the issues, the sport governing body had to take action, leading to the suspension.
Some of the key issues that led to the sanctioning of the two officials include;
• The emergence of parallel structures running Zimbabwe Swimming and Bulawayo Amateur Swimming Association (BASA)
• Dual and parallel communication on swimming matters thereby bringing the sport into disrepute
• Advertisements of parallel swimming championships by different bodies claiming control over Zimbabwe Swimming
• General despondency, confusion, and frustrations among aquatic stakeholders
• Multiple complaints by aquatic sport stakeholders to various government departments and officials
• Leadership deficiency through failure to bring stability within the sport code to date.
