adminTinomuda Courage Chakanyuka Midlands Sports Correspondent
THE Zifa Electoral Appeals Committee led by Tawanda Chitapi sitting with Arnold Tsunga and T Hangazha has directed the Zifa Central Soccer League to hold elections for the position of secretary general before 7 September. The position fell vacant following the resignation of Wellington Ngulube in 2010. He is now the Hardbody coach after allegations of embezzlement of funds were levelled against him.
Since then committee member, Stanley Chapeta had filled the position after the region’s assembly ratified his co-option on 26 February 2012.
An election which ushered in Zifa Midlands Division Two outfit, Driefontein chairman, Njodzi Chinaka to the position was subsequently rejected by the Zifa Central League management who argued that there was no vacancy in the league since the post had been filled by Chapeta with the blessing of the assembly.
This prompted the Central Soccer League to appeal against Chinaka’s election to the Appeals Committee.
In its ruling handed down on 14 August, the Appeals Committee noted that the declaration by the region that there was no vacancy was premised on a wrong interpretation of the constitutional provisions which it was relying on.
Therefore the electoral committee ruled that: “The position of secretary general of the region is ruled to be vacant and open for contestation in an election by all willing persons who qualify to hold such position. The respondents shall call for the vacant posts as aforesaid for the vacant posts and conduct elections for the said post in terms of the football statutes and it has to be done in other regions for vacant posts. The elections should be held no later than 7 September 2013,” read part of the ruling.
The ruling also called for the region to inform Zinaka to file his nomination papers for the position if he was still interested in contesting the post.
In its findings the Chitapi led committee noted that it was absurd if not outright unconstitutional for the Assembly to reach a decision by consensus not to hold elections where such elections are provided for in the constitution.
The committee further noted that such a move would call for a constitutional amendment, a decision which would prejudice interested contestants.
Online Reporter