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THE move by Zimbabwe Football Association president Nqobile Magwizi to engage CAF leadership over the directive requiring Zimbabwean teams to play international home matches behind closed doors will go a long way in securing the future.
The country was ordered to play matches behind closed doors following the death of a fan after a stampede on September 28 during the Zimbabwe-DRC AFCON qualifier.
Yesterday Magwizi was set to meet the CAF leadership on the sidelines of the CAF Strategy Conference in the Sal Islands, in Cape Verde over that recent provisional ban. Although ZIFA improved on safety for the game that followed between the Zimbabwe Under 23s and Mauritius, Magwizi said there was more that the country needs to learn about fan safety.
“We had not hosted a match of that magnitude in five years. And that is not an excuse for lack of safety for the fans, who are the most important people in the game.
“By engaging them (CAF leadership), we are seeking support in the long term and to learn more. So, it is not only about this ban,” Magwizi exclusively told Zimpapers.
For the Under-23 game, there was improved collaboration within the Local organising committee, including the security sector and the ministry.
Speaking on the sidelines of the CAF Strategy Conference, Magwizi also told SABC Sport that they were working on strengthening the systems.
“No fatalities are expected. Every life is very important. We must, as an association guarantee our fans when they come to watch matches that they are safe, and that is the work that we need to work on in collaboration, of course, with CAF and the Government of Zimbabwe,” he said.
“These are the issues that I need to clear with the general secretary of CAF as well as the president Patrice Motsepe and, of course, the head of security so that we can align and agree on the next steps that must be taken to strengthen our security plans.”
The CAF sanction is expected to take effect next week when the Mighty Warriors host Malawi in a 2028 Olympic Games qualifier.
The directive affects all Zimbabwean clubs and national teams involved in CAF competitions, including Scottland, who are scheduled to face Angola’s Atletico Petro de Luanda in the second round of the CAF Champions League later this month.
