Genesis of a golden era

Langton Nyakwenda Sports Reporter

IT is very rare that you see a Cabinet Minister shed tears in front of cameras but Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister, Kirsty Coventry could not hold back the emotions as she explained the “painful” journey that Zimbabwe endured during the 17-month isolation from international football, before yesterday’s widely anticipated re-admission to the FIFA family.

About four minutes before FIFA head of development for Africa Solomon Mudege, announced the Normalisation Committee that will now run the affairs of ZIFA, Minister Coventry delivered a touching speech.

Coventry has been besmirched both publicly and privately by some in the football circles for her bold stance against corruption at ZIFA and to demand transparency and good corporate governance.

As she gave her keynote address at the media conference that had been convened by both FIFA and the Sport and Recreation Commission, she was visibly emotional and fought back tears.

It was clear that Africa’s greatest Olympian had been vindicated by FIFA’s decision to lift Zimbabwe’s suspension.

FIFA’s pronouncement was just in time for today’s 2026 World Cup qualifying draw, for which the Warriors can now be a part of.

“Soccer is our heartbeat, and I know many of you have judged us very harshly for the decision we took,” Coventry told the expectant audience that included an army of print and electronic media, former footballers, some prominent fans and some ex-ZIFA board members.

“But we have to make hard decisions in order to make sure we are doing the best for our stakeholders.

“And not just one stakeholder. Without referees, without athletes, without a youth league, without the PSL, without the women’s league we do not have administrators.”

The Minister also told the house, how the Government through President Mnangagwa had thrown its full weight behind her stance to clean football and move to have the Sports Commission execute that exercise.

“The way our football was running was heavily dependent on what the administrators wanted and only for their benefit.

“A year and half ago we made the decision, hard decision to say enough is enough,” she said.

Zimbabwe are back into the FIFA family following the country’s suspension on February 24 2022, on charges of alleged government interference.

This was after the Sports Commission had on November 16, 2021 suspended ZIFA president Felton Kamambo and his board.

But after long and protracted negotiations involving the world football governing body, the Sports Commission, CAF and COSAFA, consensus was reached to appoint a Normalisation Committee to oversee the domestic football affairs at least until June 2024.

Former Dynamos defender and chairman Lincoln Mutasa heads a four-member committee that includes women’s football coach ex-national team captain Rosemary Mugadza, former Highlanders player Sikhumbuzo Ndebele and lawyer Nyasha Sanyamandwe.

Jubilant fans including the popular Warriors supporter Chris “Romario” Musekiwa were in the house as they celebrated Zimbabwe’s return to the global game.

Much is expected of Mutasa and his Normalisation Committee.

There had been so much polarisation in the game with the majority of ZIFA councillors accusing Kamambo and his erstwhile board member Philemon Machana of personalising the association.

Female referees had also become victims of sexual abuse during Kamambo’s leadership.

The allegations of sexual abuse were among the charges that were levelled against the ZIFA board by the Sports Commission and Coventry saluted the victims for speaking out.

“I always make special mention of our incredible female referees that stood up and were extremely brave.

“I spent time with them and probably it was one of the hardest afternoons I have ever had, to sit through listening to what they have had to experience under the former leadership.”

She then let her audience through the crucial role played by President Mnangagwa during the football crisis.

“I remember walking into His Excellency’s office and I sat down and I had to share with him (what would happen) once we make the decision (to suspend the ZIFA board), where is it was going to take us.

“And I didn’t know what his reaction was going to be. We know that soccer has this very special part to play across African politics.

“And I want to personally thank him for not even hesitating.

“For as soon as I finished the sentence . . . without hesitation he turned around and said clean it up, it’s time!”

Armed with unwavering support from the President, Coventry went back to the Sports Commission with more verve to clean up football.

Sports Commission chairperson, Mlotshwa, in his usual self-assured demeanour, reaffirmed his motive to make sure football was rid of inefficient administrators.

“Never again will our football be a victim of unscrupulous administrators and social misfits,” thundered Mlotshwa.

“Your endurance has never been in vain.

“Today marks the genesis of a golden era of Zimbabwean football, please accompany us for the remainder of the journey that promises to be exhilarating, rewarding and fulfilling,” Mlotshwa said.

Renowned fan Musekiwa was over the moon.

“This is great news for Zimbabwean football, we have been waiting for this announcement in the fullness of time it has happened,” he said.

“It might have taken too long but we are forever grateful to FIFA for finalising Zimbabwe’s issue.”

Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association secretary, Joseph Mutawu, hailed the SRC for not disappointing football fans.

“At first we were sceptical but they have proved today that they (SRC) knew what they were doing all along,” said Mutawu. Development football coach Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe welcomed the appointment of Mutasa and his committee.

“If we are to talk of integrity then Lincoln Mutasa is the epitome of integrity.

“He played football at Oxford in the UK and he is also Oxford educated. He was at the helm at Dynamos when they had their best years in terms of administration,” Chigowe said.

Following the readmission, the nation can now follow today’s World Cup qualifiers draw with a keen interest as Zimbabwe are back in the fold, finally!