Online Reporter
Petros Kausiyo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN a trendsetting move aimed at cleaning up the image of the domestic game, the Northern Region Soccer League have stepped in to fight corruption and match-manipulation in the sport, directing their member clubs to undertake a pledge to uphold integrity.
The NRSL leadership, whose own Division One League was last rocked by accusations of biased match officiating and a few abandoned games, have taken the bold move to address the corruption scourge that has been threatening to eat away the fabric of the country’s biggest sport.
NRSL chairman Martin Kweza revealed the milestone move in a circular to member clubs.
Kweza and his management also wasted no time in dispatching former FIFA referee Brighton Mudzamiri to run a workshop and explain to the clubs how the league wanted to go about the pledge to uphold integrity.
“As the governing body of the Northern Region Soccer League, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and fair play in our competitions,’’ Kweza said.
“To reinforce this commitment, we are introducing a Pledge against match-fixing, which we invite all our member clubs, players, and officials to sign.
“By signing this pledge, individuals and clubs demonstrate their commitment to upholding the values of fair play, sportsmanship, and the highest standards of integrity in our football.
“We believe that this pledge will help to foster a culture of honesty and transparency in our competitions and we are confident that it will contribute to the continued growth and success of our league,’’ said Kweza.
He also outlined the tenets of the integrity pledge.
“The pledge outlines our commitment to:
Promoting fair play and sportsmanship
Reporting any suspicious activities or approaches
Respecting the NRSL Rules and Regulations as read together with ZIFA, CAF & FIFA statutes
Protecting the integrity of NRSL competitions and matches’’.
Kweza added that the NRSL would not dither on their bid to ensure they battle match-fixing in the game.
“We take any breaches of this pledge extremely seriously and we will take swift and decisive action against anyone found to be involved in match-fixing or other forms of corruption.
“We will also provide support and resources to help our members understand and comply with the pledge.
“We remain confident that this pledge will help to maintain the trust, credibility and the unpredictability that our competitions have generated over the years, and we look forward to working with our members to achieve this goal,’’ added Kweza.
In terms of the pledge, clubs will undertake to:
“Condemn any forms of match-manipulation which consists of Outcome- Fixing, Point-Shaving, Under-performance, Referee Bribery, Player Bribery, Spot-Fixing and Match-Fixing in all its forms.
“Promote fair play and sportsmanship at all times.
“Report any suspicious activities or approaches — Respect the Rules and Regulations of Northern Region Soccer League — Protect the integrity of Northern Region Soccer League competitions and matches
“Support efforts to prevent and investigate match-fixing allegations. In the event that my conduct is contrary to the aforementioned, the league shall institute against me any of the following measures, depending on the severity of the case.
“A formal written warning will be issued to me highlighting the seriousness of the breach.’’
Among the measures put in place to ensure the initiative takes effect are — suspension from participating in football-related activities, including matches, training, and other events for a period of two years.
“A ban from participating in football-related activities for a period of five years or permanently.
“A financial penalty of US$5000 and the league will immediately revoke the registration license (of the offender)’’.
The NRSL have also vowed to “make a public disclosure of the breach, and may institute legal action’’ against the culprits involved in the alleged match-fixing scam.
In the opening workshop that Mudzamiri conducted, stakeholders welcomed the initiative with some even demanding stiffer penalties for those convicted.
According to the NRSL, Mudzamiri, who in 2002 became the first Zimbabwean to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, stressed that match-fixing is not just a threat to individual players, but to the credibility of the country’s biggest sport.
He encouraged players and officials to remain vigilant, resist any illegal approaches, and take pride in protecting the game’s reputation.
“This is not just about rules, it’s about safeguarding the future of our football.
“Every player, coach, and official has a role in ensuring that our competitions remain credible and unpredictable,” he said.
What began as a training workshop quickly turned into an interactive discussion, with coaches and players sharing their experiences and concerns about the pressures that can make individuals vulnerable to manipulation.
The open dialogue allowed NRSL leadership to take note of key areas where education, awareness, and support structures can be strengthened.
Some participants also raised strong recommendations for the way forward.
“We need to normalise whistle-blowing in our football and it’s the only way we can protect the game,’’ pointed one participant.
