derick.khumalo
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
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UNCERTAINTY mars the inaugural BancABC Roots Impact tournament that was set to roll off this weekend in various parts of the country after the National Association of Primary and Secondary School Heads distanced themselves from the event.
The tournament is set to feature Under-14 and Under-16 boys’ and girls’ provincial teams under the custodian of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) but via four structures, the National Association of Primary Heads, the National Association of Secondary Heads, Area Zone, existing academies and open provincial trials.
However, it has since emerged that provincial ZIFA structures by-passed all the other three structures and went straight to having provincial teams, selected by their own point persons, despite the programme structure clearly stating the talent entry and development pipeline on how players enter the system.
In Matabeleland North, school heads completely distanced themselves from the announced provincial team which by mid-morning Friday was still stuck in Hwange and Tsholotsho after struggling to get transport from schools.
“Our education system has clear structures, we do not get instructions from anyone outside the system hence releasing buses and indeed our learners without authority from our principals is a no go move,” said a head from one of the schools in Matabeleland North.
A letter by then acting Zifa general-secretary Mike Madoda, dated June 29 and addressed to Naph and Nash had requested schools to provide buses which will be fueled by the national association and topped up by US$50.
“The communication from Zifa only came when they had already selected the players and members of the technical teams, something they did without consulting authorities in schools and the usual education protocol. A child cannot leave school without a teacher, same applies a teacher cannot leave his or her station without the approval or request from district or provincial officers,” said another school head, both who cannot be named for professional reasons.
Matabeleland North Nash Chairperson Sicelo Dube said as Nash, they were never involved in the organisation and selection of the players named in the provincial squad.
“That is a Zifa squad, not ours,” said Dube.
