adminRegion leadership, led by acting chairman Willard Manyengavana and including secretary-general Sweeney Mushonga and board member development Martin Kweza, met with Zifa president Cuthbert Dube late on Thursday afternoon to “iron out whatever perceived differences there may have been’’. Manyengavana described the indaba as fruitful and said the region, which administers three provinces — Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Harare — as well the Division One clubs, had been keen to improve their relations with the Zifa board hence their meeting with Dube.
“We met with the Zifa president at his office and discussed with him what we perceived to be differences and we ironed out whatever sticking points there were.
“We also clarified that individual opinions, which appear to have been the main cause of the strained relations, were not necessarily the region’s position and that if individuals publicly express their opinions, they must not be taken to represent our board’s decision.
“But in this case the decision to meet with the Zifa president was agreed to by all the active members of the board and even though our board member finance (Robert Mamvura) was not there physically, he was aware and he excused himself and we also clarified the region’s position with regards to what transpired at our by-elections.
“There is no need for public slanging, especially in the media, and the Zifa president also made it clear to us that he is open to criticism and would want us to point out to him where we think that he or the association could be getting things wrong.
“In that same meeting we also apologised for whatever happened that also resulted in bad publicity for Zifa and as the Northern Region we also believe that if we disagree with the Zifa board on an issue and if the matter is taken to vote and we lose, then tough luck for us we have to live by it but football must not suffer,’’ Manyengavana said.
Online Reporter