adminThe 52-year old Nyatanga, who is still nursing injuries sustained after a recent car accident in Harare, revealed that he was leaving the top position in ZNSSA.
An official farewell ceremony will be held in the capital on May 20.
In a telephone interview from his Trauma Centre Hospital bed in Harare, where he is receiving treatment, Nyatanga said it was high time he shifts focus to his businesses as well as his Affirmative Action Group commitments.
Nicknamed after the Cameroonian legendary striker, Patrick Mboma, Nyatanga, was part of the group of passionate soccer fans who joined hands to form ZNSSA way back in the days when Leo Mugabe was Zifa president.
“I think it is high time I give others a chance. I have led this association for a long time and have given my input,” said Nyatanga.
“I think I have done a lot for Zimbabwean football and I will continue supporting football from sidelines.
“I now need to give more time to my businesses as well as the Affirmative Action Group. There a many progressive cadres who can take over from where I left and I will always be there to give advice and help whenever needed.”
During his stint as the ZNSSA president, Nyatanga has been a voice for the millions of voiceless soccer fans, being vocal on different issues affecting the game such as his associations’ recent challenge on Zifa to bring finality to the long dragging Asiagate saga.
In 1999, together with the likes of Coleman Majaya as president, ZNSSA was formed with input from passionate soccer fans such as Martin Chikodzi, Tawanda Chitapi, legal expert Misheck Hogwe, diplomat Kufa Chinodzi among others.
Their operations were made easier with the financial help of several well wishers that also included Doctor Msipa.
Sunday Chidzambwa played the role of advisor.
The outgoing ZNSSA president spoke glowingly of the help they got from (Professor) Jonathan Moyo and army commander Perrence Shiri in the formative years of the association.
He said the ZNSSA membership ballooned over the years and they now have representatives in each and every province around the country.
“Since we formed this association, we really played our part in supporting the national teams, especially the senior men soccer national team.
“ZNSSA membership ballooned over the years and we now have representatives in each and every province around the country. It is also important to note that in our operations, we got a lot of support from different stakeholders that include Jonathan Moyo and Perrence Shiri.
“We travelled with the team in about 28 different countries since the formation of ZNSSA and the initiative was meant to drum up support for the national teams,” he said.
Although he could not be drawn into commenting on the incoming office bearers, it is understood that the likes of Eddie Chivero, who is hugely respected and has been groomed to take over, Fortune “Giant” Bgwoni, Simeon Jamanda, Molly Mucheme, Felix Tsukwa, Admire Kandenga and Chris “Romario” Msekiwa could be coming in to fill the vacant posts.
Online Reporter