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Sports Reporter
The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has been challenged to investigate allegations of match-fixing in Zimbabwean football, amidst growing concerns from fans and stakeholders.
Football enthusiasts in Bulawayo expressed their frustration and disappointment over the alleged abuse of the game by referees and club owners.
“We are tired of watching matches where the outcome is predetermined,” said Nobert Ncube, a long time football fan from Bulawayo.
“Referees are clearly biased, and it’s killing the game. Something needs to be done.”
Another fan, Sithembile Moyo, echoed similar sentiments.
“It’s painful to see our beautiful game destroyed by greed and corruption. We demand transparency and accountability from those responsible,” Moyo said.
The allegations of match-fixing have cast a shadow over Zimbabwean football, with many questioning the integrity of the game.
“The SRC must take immediate action to investigate these allegations,” said football analyst, Themba Siziba.
“If left unchecked, match-fixing will destroy the fabric of our football.”
A senior member with one of the country’s regional boards, acknowledged the concerns and challenged the SRC to look into the matter.
“Unfortunately, these allegations are true and indeed our local game is becoming ridiculously rife with match-fixing. Some of us in football administration take these allegations seriously and we must work closely with the SRC to ensure the integrity of our game is protected,” the regional board member said.
A source close to the ZIFA Normalisation Committee who asked not to be named added: “We have zero tolerance for match-fixing but our hands are tied. We have very little control over the referees by virtue of us being a Normalisation Committee but we hope the incoming board will make this a priority when they get into office. I think the new board must cooperate fully with the SRC to eradicate this scourge.”
However, the SRC revealed that it would only take a front seat in investigating match-fixing if Zifa fails or is found wanting in its due processes.
“Any match-fixing allegations should always be given due attention and addressed through relevant football channels. In this case, the Zimbabwe Football Association must address any such allegations,” responded SRC director-general, Eltah Nengomasha.
“SRC will only intervene if there is evidence that all internal remedies at National Sports Association level have been exhausted without any recourse,” she added.
Nengomasha also said, however, that the Sports Integrity Bill will address all issues to do with ethics and integrity in the administration of sport including match-fixing.
Online Reporter