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In an interview on Sunday, Cuthbert Dube said all bodies are subject to the Zifa constitution and need to live up to expectations. He said they would not hesitate to dismantle bodies that were not performing to expectations.
“We are all so worried about the bad image the game tends to get. We are saying all affiliates as corporate organisations and individuals in the game of soccer have an obligation to commit themselves to doing good.
“The constitution and rules and regulations that are in place are meant to promote good administration and portray a positive image of the game. With that we will be able to attract sponsorship,” said Dube.
He said he would tour the country next month and in September to check on progress on the ground.
He said all structures were expected to submit audited accounts.
“That is a key tenet of good corporate governance where audited accounts are availed at all levels so that we win stakeholder confidence in what we are doing,” said Dube.
The Zifa boss said he expected subordinate bodies to demand the same from clubs.
“Gone are the days when clubs were run without constitutions, they must have one, annual general meetings and audited accounts so that there is accountability at all levels of the game,” he said.
Dube said his board would want the Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League for example to account for the $800 000 sponsorship from Marange Resources.
Clubs invited to the national women’s soccer league have expressed disappointment with the little prize money put on the table for them. Winners will receive $10 000 with a huge chunk said to have been used on national teams, leaving development with nothing. The Mavis Gumbo-led women’s soccer committee has put all energy on national teams at the expense of development at province and junior level.
Dube said Zifa was doing all within its powers to ensure Zimbabwe qualified for Afcon and World Cup.
“As a board we want to qualify for the Afcon finals in South Africa and the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. It is important that we have a staff that understands what we want to achieve. Performance reviews are necessary administrative tools,” said Dube.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Mashingaidze, the Zifa chief executive officer, disclosed that in a bid to move with modern times and to be relevant to Fifa, they would soon employ an education development officer and someone to man the referees’ desk.
“Fifa wants us to have a full time education officer, the hunt is on and so is one for referees’ dedicated desk. We want to move with the times and be relevant to football developments as dictated by Caf and Fifa,” said Mashingaidze.
As part of their programme as Zifa to ensure Fair Play is a priority in the country, Zimbabwe will have a week-long campaign in September.
“We are for Fair Play in everything to do with Zimbabwean football, be it national teams, leagues, appointments, it has to be on merit. Our Fair Play Campaign Week will be in September,” said Mashingaidze.
He also disclosed that capacity building was ongoing with a course for administrators to be run by Timothy Shongwe of Swaziland on 9-14 September.
“Provincial, regional, national, leagues and some club administrators among a host of participants will be in attendance. Shongwe will touch on a number of topics ranging from rules, development models, finances, marketing and constitutions,” said the Zifa head of secretariat.
Online Reporter