adminFrom Eddie Chikamhi in CAPE TOWN, South Africa
THE Zifa supporters liaison officer, Simeon Jamanda, was almost manhandled by a group of disgruntled football supporters he led to South Africa to back the national team at the CHAN tournament after he reportedly misappropriated the funds meant for their welfare.
The supporters, who belong to the Friends of the Warriors group, were up in arms after enduring a week-long trip which was partly sponsored by the Zifa president Cuthbert Dube.
It is believed that the supporters, who numbered less than 30, were given US$3 000 to assist with their upkeep but were frustrated as they had to beg the reluctant liaison officer to buy them food.
Zivanai Muwashu, who is the publicist for the Friends of the Warriors, said the group has lost confidence in Jamanda whom he accused of hijacking the trip and taking advantage of the ignorant supporters.
He said Jamanda refused to reveal how much he received from Dube and continued to play hide and seek once they arrived in Cape Town while allegedly spending big.
The supporters alleged that they went for almost three days without food supplies from the supporters’ pocket until they decided to use force.
“This thing is a repeat of what happened when we went to the Cosafa final in Zambia with the fans falling victim to the same person. There was discord again when the supporters complained of misappropriation of funds and were hungry, only to be fed with bread by the same person.
“We, the Friends of the Warriors, are the ones who requested the bus and officials from Nyaradzo Funeral Services confirmed to us that transport will be availed. We were shocked that the issue of the bus at some stage was being politicised with someone claiming that he is the one responsible for securing the bus.
“We also talked to Zifa president (Dube) and he promised that the supporters will be catered for. We then heard that the president had released some money which was in possession of Jamanda as the liaison officer. We don’t know how much it was but it is believed to be US$3 000 which converts to 30 000 rand, a lot of money here in South Africa.
“When our members asked him for money he turned against them and charged that he was not responsible for their coming here. He only paid for accommodation and released about 200 rand to the brass band, which had about 11 members, to buy food. The money was not enough and there were complaints that these guys had gone for three days without food. We had to confront him again. He promised to give them the change from the payment he made for accommodation but they did not get all the money. There was no accountability whatsoever. He was splashing money on beer and clothes for himself and his lady companion. “Our members are disciplined but at that point they almost manhandled him,” said Muwashu.
The supporters are expected home today.
Online Reporter