Players face ban over Asiagate fines

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA has ordered all its affiliates to stop using players who have not fully paid fines for their involvement in the illegal betting and match-fixing scandal, Asiagate, that rocked local football since 2007 with reigning champions Dynamos set to be the hardest hit. The Glamour boys have three key players while Bulawayo giants Highlanders will now have to make do without on and off striker Beavan Chikaka.

According to the list, a total of nine players in the local Premiership will be affected unless they pay their outstanding fines to the mother-body.
DeMbare have goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi, defenders Ocean Mushure and Augustine Mbara who risk being out of action for the rest of the season.
“Zifa fined players who were convicted of match- fixing and illegal betting  in November 2012. Some players paid their fines in full with some tendering payment plans which regrettably have not been religiously followed.

“Zifa hereby request your esteemed office and person to facilitate the exclusion of the players who have willfully reneged on their commitment to service their outstanding fines with effect from 1 August 2013,” wrote Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze to his Premier Soccer League counterpart, Kennedy Ndebele.

Ndebele confirmed receipt of the football mother body’s order and said as an affiliate they would comply with the instruction.
“Our office has since written to the affected clubs informing them of the latest development.

“As PSL we will fully comply with the order,” said Ndebele.
Other players set to be banned are Nqobile Mpala of How Mine who has an outstanding balance of  $2 500, Nicholas Alifandika of Black Mambas     ($3 000), Tawanda Nyamadzawo ($3 000), Edward Tembo ($1 000), Caps United’s George Magariro ($2 000), Ashley Rambanepasi ($2 000) and Bantu Rovers coach Johannes Ngodzo who made a part payment of $1 000 from his $4 000 initial fine.
Zifa communications  manager Xolisani Gwesela said only players who will make good their payments or avail payment plans with the national association will be allowed back on the field.
“Some players, in fact the majority of them, have been very cooperative with their payment plans,” said Gwesela yesterday.
With the league already in the home stretch and still with a chance of defending their title, Dynamos will be badly shaken with the banning of their key defenders.