Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda and Takudzwa Chitsiga
THE new Sports and Recreation Commission chairman, Nathaniel Madzivanyika, has expressed satisfaction with the on-going transformation at ZIFA and expects a cordial relationship between the regulatory authority and the football mother body.
Madzivanyika, who took over from Gerald Mlotshwa recently met ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi emerged from their indaba “impressed with the way the new football leadership is running the association’’.
He said ZIFA are among the “45 to 50 percent” of the national associations that are fully compliant with SRC regulations, which include production of audited accounts and adherence to constitutions.
In a rare show of transparency, never seen in the last decade or so, Magwizi’s ZIFA published audited accounts last week, following an audit carried out by top accounting firm BDO.
ZIFA reported a significant financial turnaround, concluding the year ended 31 December 2024 in a healthy financial standing with a net surplus of $400 439.
“Yes indeed, ZIFA are compliant.
“You just need to be accountable to say this is how we operate and these are our deficiencies and we excelled here.
“Those are the compliance issues we require from everyone,” Madzivanyika told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
The previous ZIFA board under Felton Kamambo clashed with the SRC, largely over lack of accountability.
In the end the SRC suspended the ZIFA board, resulting in Zimbabwe’s suspension by ZIFA.
However, Madzivanyika said he was looking forward to an era where amicable solutions are sought first before suspensions are effected.
Madzivanyika’s board was appointed on July 7, following the expiry of the terms of office of the Mlotshwa leadership.
“I think close to 50 percent of the national associations are compliant, including ZIFA obviously.
“I met the ZIFA president, we discussed issues of compliance, whereby we agreed on the way forward.
“We are saying anything that we are going to do as a board, even if it is a decision, is it good for business.”
“In future, we will not hesitate to engage authorities such as police and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission where there is need.
“We had an understanding with the ZIFA president that we are going to do our best to avoid issues of corruption, and abuse of office, sexual harassment that we heard about and we were having a common platform of saying we want to sweep clean everything that has been seemingly not going well in ZIFA.
“Yes, there were suspensions before, but before we get there is it not possible to amicably solve issues that are relative to sport, whereby we don’t disadvantage the nation in as far as what they expect is concerned?”
He also spoke about the impending Warriors participation at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I am sure come the time for AFCON our Warriors will be ready to compete.
“It is also our hope that Zimbabwe will also be playing their home games here in the country,” said Madzivanyika.
Zimbabwe currently does not have a CAF certified stadium and are having to play their home games in neighbouring South Africa, as massive renovations are ongoing at the National Sports Stadium.
Magwizi urges unity
Meanwhile, Magwizi has called on teams in the lower division leagues to unite and shun away from divisive tendencies, which affect the smooth running of the sport.
Magwizi was speaking during the Harare Province Division Two A and B leagues Dees Dairy knock-out tournament sponsorship unveiling ceremony in the capital.
“I am happy that we are witnessing a major sponsorship for one of our lower league the Harare Province and it is welcome move. We are happy as the mother body to have corporates coming on board and support our lower leagues and I believe this is going to go a long way in nurturing young talent.
“Division Two is mainly for grassroots development and having sponsors coming on board showed that there is trust within the sport’s administrators,” said Magwizi.
Harare Province with the partnership with Dees’ Dairy unveiled a US$10 000 sponsorship package that will see all the 40 clubs taking part in a knock-out tournament.
The sponsorship will see all the 40 clubs affiliated with the league battle it out for a US$2 500 first prize.
