adminRay Bande Senior Sports Reporter
MANICALAND could have only properly registered intermediary in Gaza Gunners owner, Shingai Mathabuka after the Chipinge-based club director took steps to formalise his status as a Zifa registered Intermediary. Presence of professional and properly registered intermediaries is widely expected to improve the treatment of players during transfer deals that have left many players crying foul after failing to get their dues from clubs.
The new FIFA Regulations on working with intermediaries were approved by the FIFA Executive Committee in March 2014 at its meeting in Zurich, Switzerland and will supersede the old FIFA Players’ Agents regulations. Mathabuka was part of the group of about 20 prospective intermediaries that took part in a workshop that was arranged by Zifa late last year.
The workshop was facilitated by international experts, Farai Razano, Castle Lager Premier Soccer League chief executive officer, Kennedy Ndebele, ZIFA chief executive officer, Jonathan Mashingaidze and ZIFA lawyer, Ralph Maganga.
Main targeted groups include prospective intermediaries, Footballers Union of Zimbabwe, clubs and ZIFA technical directorate. ZIFA Communications manager, Xolisani Gwesela, revealed the objectives of the December workshop.
“The workshop was aimed at seeing a good adaptation from player agents to intermediaries in tandem with FIFA regulations,” Gwesela said. “The workshop was meant to ensure that intermediaries understand the new regulations and ensure compliance. “The workshop was also aimed at preparing prospective intermediaries for the new dispensation and improves their management style.
“FIFA regulations on working with intermediaries supersede the old FIFA Players’ Agents regulations. The introduction of FIFA Regulations on working with the Intermediaries means that the previous Player Agent licencing system shall be abandoned and all existing licences issued by ZIFA in the past will lose their validity with immediate effect.
“We encourage prospective intermediaries and those that have not regularised their intermediary status to do so,” Gwesela added. In an interview, Mathabuka confirmed that he took part in the workshop and did not meet any other participant from Manicaland. “I was there and it was quite a fruitful workshop where a number of valuable lessons were learnt. I did not meet anyone from Manicaland. I hope to take it further and properly register as an Intermediary,” he said.
Online Reporter