Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Sports and Recreation Commission’s decision to suspend two senior officials from the Zimbabwe Aquatic Union could go a long way in ensuring progress in the sport.
Zimbabwe Aquatic Union president Onismo Nhondova and Zimbabwe Swimming chairperson Zanele Nkomazana were on Wednesday handed five-year suspensions from administering the sport.
The pair was found guilty of fuelling “sustained instability” deemed too detrimental to the growth of the sport and impacting negatively on athletes and stakeholders.
The SRC wielded their axe following months of turmoil that had seen some parallel structures, dual communication, and leadership conflicts being the order of the day at the union.
The country’s sport regulatory body have lately taken a tough stance on governance matters.
Recently, the SRC intervened to restore order at the Zimbabwe Rugby Union.
They believe the move they have taken will restore stability and integrity in Zimbabwean aquatic sports.
Acting Sports Commission director-general Peter Mudzimiri announced Nhondova and Nkomazana’s suspensions in a statement yesterday.
Mudzimiri said the suspensions were with immediate effect.
“The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) wishes to inform stakeholders that Mr Onismo Nhondova and Ms Zanele Nkomazana, both officials of Zimbabwe Aquatics, have been suspended from all forms of aquatic sport administration and activities across all aquatic disciplines with immediate effect, for a period of five years.
“This decision has been taken in the national interest and in accordance with Section 30 of the Sports and Recreation Commission Act [Chapter 25:15],” Mudzimiri said.
“The suspension follows a period of sustained instability within Zimbabwe Aquatics, particularly in the swimming discipline, which has had a detrimental impact on athletes and key stakeholders.
“The SRC remains committed to restoring stability, integrity, and proper governance within the sport. Stakeholders will be kept informed of any further developments.”
Although the acting Sports Commission director did not delve into the finer details of what drove the regulatory body into taking the drastic action, sources close to the goings-on at ZAU revealed that seemingly endless differences between Nhondova and Nkomazana had been deemed to be too toxic and had resulted in instability in the swimming discipline.
It also emerged that the duo had been directed to resolve their differences late last year, all to no avail.
This drew the ire of the Commission.
The sources also added that some key issues that had led to the officials’ suspensions included:
*The emergence of parallel structures running Zimbabwe Swimming and Bulawayo Amateur Swimming Association (BASA).
*Dual and parallel communication on swimming matters, thereby bringing the sport into disrepute.
*Advertisements of parallel swimming championships by different bodies claiming control over Zimbabwe Swimming.
*General despondency, confusion, and frustrations among aquatic stakeholders.
*Multiple complaints by aquatic sport stakeholders to various Government departments and officials.
*Leadership deficiency through failure to bring stability within the sport code to date.
As a result, there was stakeholder frustration and complaints of leadership deficiencies drawing back a thriving sport that has regularly provided podium finishers for Zimbabwe at international competitions.
Following yesterday’s move, the SRC will now be hoping that with some stability, swimmers, coaches and stakeholders can focus on growing the sport.
