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Augustine Hwata Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Football Association have hinted it’s still work in progress and that they are making frantic efforts to engage the lawyers of former Warriors coach Valinhos on his long-standing debt so that they iron out the sticking issues over interests that have accrued to date.Last month, the world football governing body Fifa suspended Zimbabwe from the draw for the 2018 World Cup following the association’s failure to service a debt of $67 000 owed to the Brazilian coach.
Fifa said Zimbabwe can possibly secure reinstatement in the draw for the 2018 World Cup if they settle their dues with the coach and Zifa chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze yesterday said they are hopeful of reaching a settlement.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa also gave Zifa an ultimatum to settle the debt before the end of this month and Mashingaidze, as usual is keeping a brave face.
As Zifa are engaging Valinho’s legal representative, Victor Eleuterio, Mashingaidze said the sticking issue now was on the interests.
“We have undertaken to pay the debt but the sticking issue for now is the interests. I cannot pre-empt much because our legal team is engaging Valinhos’ (Jose Claudinei Georgini) lawyers.
“Hopefully we can find a way of dealing with the interests which have seen the sum reaching $81 000,” said Mashingaidze.
During last week’s Confederation of African Football conference in Cairo, Mashingaidze said Zifa sought the assistance of Fifa officials in handling the matter.
“We met people from Fifa during the CAF meetings and engaged them on the issue and our position. Once we iron out the issue of interests, we believe we have a payment plan in place,” said Mashingaidze.
Last week, prominent prophet and philanthropist Walter Magaya indicated he was willing to help domestic football by off-setting Valinhos’ debt.
Magaya, who is leader of Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance Ministries also gave Zifa $28 000 for the Mighty Warriors as they prepared to play Ghana in an African Games championship.
Meanwhile, Mashingaidze said Zifa will now liaise with the Sports Commission as the Young Warriors focus on taking part in the African Games finals.
The Young Warriors overcame the odds to force a 1-1 draw against Cameroon in Yaoundé on Sunday to qualify for their third Games finals.
Previously, Zimbabwe played at the Cairo 1991 All Africa Games finals with a squad that had players like Peter Ndlovu, Adam Ndlovu (late), Benjamin Nkhonjera, Jani Milanzi, Agent Sawu, Nesbert Saruchera and Kennedy Nagoli.
Vusi Laher then skippered a squad that had Alois Bunjira, Methembe Ndlovu, George Mbwando and Stuart Murisa at the Games hosted in Zimbabwe.
“The qualification by the Young Warriors shows that we have potential. The team went under adverse conditions as some teams held on to their players but we still progressed.
“We have to officially write to the Government and the Sport Commission so that they now fund the preparations. There is need to harness all the talent in this age group as we prepare for the finals but what is key are the resources,” said Mashingaidze.
Chef de Mission for Team Zimbabwe to Congo Brazzaville, Joseph Muchechetere said a collective effort was now needed to take the preparations forward.
“Team Zimbabwe will now take over but Zifa remain stakeholders because they organise the football matches and our major role now will be to raise funds for all athletes.
“The rugby sevens side have also qualified while we hope the volleyball and men’s basketball sides can also book places to Congo-Brazzaville,” said Muchechetere.
Online Reporter