Rushwaya holds the key

Eddie Chikamhi Harare Bureau
FORMER Zifa Chief Executive Officer Henrietta Rushwaya claims she has information that can help Zifa out of the current crisis after the national team was yesterday kicked out of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers over a failure to settle a debt to former coach, Jose Valinhos.

Rushwaya who ran the show in 2008 when the Brazilian was hired as coach of the Warriors. Valinhos was fired with a month remaining on his contract following a dismal run by the national team in the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.

Rushwaya who was later banned by Zifa from football activities for her alleged role in the Asiagate match fixing scandal said she has documents that could help the association lodge a successful appeal with Fifa.

“Under normal circumstances, I would’ve refused to comment because I was banned from football activities.

“Anyway, as a patriotic Zimbabwean I think it’s not right that the nation suffers because of our personal differences,” she said last night.

“This is a case that I handled and I’m very willing to assist Zifa if engaged. I think I’ve information that can help them out on this issue. I’m one person who doesn’t delete e-mails.

“I know the Valinhos case like the back of my hand. I’m available to assist in all issues, I’m available if the people at Zifa need my input.

“I will gladly give them all the information that they need. But like I said, I can’t just barge into their offices. I’m available if they want me,” said Rushwaya

Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said the association was seeking to find ways to get the ban lifted.

“Yes we assume full responsibility of the debt. It’s very unfortunate that it has come to this. It happens at a time when the association was facing a lot of financial challenges. An emergency board will meet so as to come up with the way forward,” said Gwesela.