adminSports Reporter
IF ZIFA needed anything to show that their image among ordinary Zimbabweans has taken a severe battering very few will dare help them, then the feedback generated by an article on NewZimbabwe.com yesterday bared it all.
The website reported that the cash-strapped football controlling body was appealing to Zimbabwean football fans to donate a dollar each to enable the Association to run their “affairs professionally” in the Dollar-For-Football initiative.
“Football is the most popular national sport whose beauty touches the entire nation, from Zambezi to Limpopo,” said the national association.
“The most popular game contributes to the nation’s image, social values and economic growth.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association appeals to all patriotic and football-loving Zimbabweans local and living in the diaspora to spare one United State Dollars or equivalent in the material form.
“Once resourced, Zimbabwean football will scale heights never scaled before.”
The names of those who donate will be published on the association’s website.
However, it was the feedback, among those who are expected to make the donations, which made depressing reading.
The Feedback:
Drudge Report Whyisym
“I don’t know about bringing desired results, but I wouldn’t donate even a penny as long as Cuthbert Dube is involved in the administration.”
Top Zimbo Mandara
“Cuthbert Dube and Mashingaidze must resign first then we can contribute, even millions. With Cuthbert and Mashingaidze at the helm our money will not be in safe hands. They must go now and give football a chance.”
The Lion
“While the move is a noble one, it will not yield anything due to image issues around ZIFA at the moment. Facts on the ground show that rather than looting ZIFA coffers, Dube was actually financing ZIFA from his personal resources. However, the bad publicity around him means that in the mind of an average man, Dube wants to raise the money so that he would loot. The loser in all this will be soccer because I do not see Dube leaving before his term of office expires, so in the next three years the national teams will be having problems to prepare and travel to fulfil fixtures.”
Rukudzo
“I like the idea of fans chipping in. But I am worried about Mashingaidze, Dube not that much as we already owe him a bit.”
Todiizvazvo
“I will be brain dead to donate to these clowns! Where are Magaya’s donations? ZIFA thinks Zimbos are stupid. They should simply resign and let honourable people take over.”
Dawg
“Seriously, from this looter, I would rather donate to a children’s home.”
Danzo Choto
“Please, don’t give away your hard-earned money to corruption and mismanagement. Your one dollar will disappear. Look at those faces in management at ZIFA, do you see anything that says they care about the welfare of the players or the state of soccer in Zim? The more they beg the more they will stay in power. Please, Zim, let’s not empower these crazy money monsters. Don’t let your money go to build Cuthbert mansions.”
Babydoc
“Joke of the Year, asking vendors for donations.”
Jabu
“Haiwawo, kuti vabe futi? Keep your dollars guys!”
Tatenda
“Haaa, manje so? Most popular, but also greatest sporting failure in Zim. Just a single appearance (twice, in fact) kuAfrica Cup of Nations . . . forget COSAFA Cup . . . Will keep my dollar.”
Robzam
“On condition that the donations are handled by an independent professional entity not ZIFA and also that the funds are strictly for development of football not administrative overheads. They might also try South Africa since they can afford to donate 10 million for development of football in the Caribbean.”
Hwindi
“The thieving leadership should resign first. Not even a fool will donate to ZIFA when Cashbert and Mashingaidze are still in there.”
Tapera
“By profession, ZIFA means steal the money. What a joke Zimbabwe, bury this organisation, it has failed.”
Online Reporter