Andrew
Online Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Philip Chiyangwa could be critical in Zimbabwe’s bid to be re-admitted into international football.
Chiyangwa is a close friend of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino.
Zimbabwe are currently under suspension from FIFA following the suspension of the Felton Kamambo-led board by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) in November, which the world soccer governing body believes amounts to Government interference.
Chiyangwa, who is also a former Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) boss, recently brokered a meeting between acting ZIFA president Gift Banda and incumbent leader of the regional football bloc, Artur de Almeida, which kick-started Zimbabwe’s international football diplomatic offensive.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Chiyangwa said he was impressed by efforts by the acting ZIFA president.
“As you know, my last office was Cosafa in South Africa; it’s a regional body as you know.
“A few weeks ago, I stepped down, this is due to many other commitments I have here.
“But I can say his (Banda) foresight is good together with board members Farai Jere here and Alois Masepe,” he said.
“Turning to the issue of the ban, that’s what I want to work with them (ZIFA) and Government, and ensure that the ban is lifted and football is played and we are all enjoying it.”
The previous Kamambo board was ousted after facing a litany of allegations ranging from sexual abuse of female referees to abuse of Government funds.
Consequently, the ZIFA Assembly held an extraordinary general meeting in April, which ousted the trio of Kamambo, Philemon Machana and Brighton Malandule before writing to FIFA to apprise them of the latest development.
FIFA have since acknowledged the correspondence from ZIFA.
Online Reporter