ZIFA to beef up stadium security, safety

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIFA are not taking chances in their bid to comply with the Confederation of African Football stadium safety and security requirements and have lined up a high-level workshop for Premiership, Women’s, and Division One clubs.

CAF experts — Xolile Nokuthula Vilakati from Egypt and Abdul Lukooya Sekabira from Uganda — will lead a discussion at the workshop scheduled for Harare from July 30 to August 1. ZIFA said in a statement that they were expecting 40 participants for the seminar which will cover a host of issues related to the safety of players, spectators, and even service providers inside a stadium.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is pleased to announce the upcoming Safe Stadium Initiative Workshop, scheduled to take place from July 30 to August 1, 2024, at Cresta Oasis in Harare.

“This workshop marks a significant step towards enhancing stadium safety and security in Zimbabwe and across the African continent.

“The workshop will be conducted by instructors from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Xolile Nokuthula Vilakati from Egypt and Abdul Lukooya Sekabira from Uganda will lead the training sessions, bringing their extensive expertise and experience in stadium safety and security management,” ZIFA said.

“The event will also be honoured by the presence of representatives from both CAF and FIFA, underscoring the importance of this initiative.

“Participants in the workshop have been drawn from the Premier Soccer League and the Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League, alongside security officers from the regions, making a total of 40 participants.

“This diverse group of attendees reflects the collaborative effort to improve safety standards in football stadiums nationwide.”

ZIFA also underscored the significance that CAF have been attaching to safety and security, even in the manner they go about licencing a stadium for international matches.

CAF requires, among a host of demands, that a stadium must be issued with a safety and security certificate before it can be homologated.

“The CAF safety and security department, established on the 3rd of February 2019, has been pivotal in setting standards for safety and security operations across all member associations in Africa.

“In June 2024, the department conducted an online conference to introduce the safe stadium initiative to all member Associations’ general secretaries and presidents.

“During this launch, the commitment to train 40 individuals per member association was announced, reinforcing the department’s dedication to continuous education and training.

“The department is committed to the ongoing training of CAF safety and security officers, national safety and security officers, club Safety and security officers, and all strategic stakeholders responsible for safety and security operations during CAF and member associations football competitions and tournaments.

“With this workshop, CAF is ready to provide crucial training to all interested member associations aiming to enhance stadium safety and security in their countries. ZIFA has adopted a proactive approach to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of CAF safety and security regulations in Zimbabwe. This initiative aims to benefit all stakeholders,” added ZIFA. In line with the importance that CAF and ZIFA are placing on safety issues, Harare giants Dynamos, who are set to represent Zimbabwe in the Confederation Cup, have moved swiftly to change the club head of security and put in a qualified man in charge.

This has seen Patrick Fakero ,who was serving as head of security, being re-assigned, with Alec Jaure coming for this key post.

Dynamos, through their chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze, have also since notified the Premier Soccer League about the change.

“Dynamos Football Club, by copy of this letter, hereby confirm, that the club will be represented by the new club safety and security officer, Mr Alec Jaure.

“The appointment of Mr Jaure has been communicated to the Zimbabwe Football Association during the club licencing process which was concluded in June 2024 ahead of the CAF and ZIFA club licensing compliance targets. “Mr Patrick Fakero has been redeployed elsewhere on account of the criteria set by ZIFA and CAF for the position of club safety and security officer in terms of qualifications, security background, and experience,” wrote Mashingaidze.

ZIFA and CAF want clubs to ensure their security officers can provide detailed security plans for big assignments they host which include the famous Harare derby between CAPS United and Dynamos and the Battle of Zimbabwe showdown that pits Highlanders against DeMbare.

According to Article 4 of CAF Safety and Security Regulations of 2019 as edited in February 2020, each club of CAF member association shall appoint a CEO and a club safety and security officer (SSO). The SSO shall report to the CEO on all security matters.
Duties of Club SSO.

Shall be in charge of all safety and security-related issues.

Shall keep in touch with all recognised club group supporters of the club.

Endeavour to compile, with the police authorities, a record of all known risky supporters to be used when liaising with fellow security officers on home or away matches