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Farai Kuvirimirwa Herald Reporter
THE Zifa Village was emptied yesterday while the artificial turf was stripped and goal posts taken when the association’s property was attached by the Deputy Sheriff yesterday.The property was attached after the association failed to an $88 000 arbitration award given to a former manager who was unceremoniously dismissed two years ago.
The sad development comes in the week that Zifa submitted a bid to host the 2017 African Cup of Nations, which was originally scheduled for Libya, before the North African country withdrew due to instability in the country.
Part of the property attached, under case number HC6169/14 at the Zifa Village in Mt Hampden, included the artificial turf and goal posts on a pitch recently supplied through the Fifa Goal Project and a Foton 404 tractor designed to maintain grounds.
There are also 27 beds which were in the lodges, a fridge, 15 fire extinguishers, tables and chairs among an assortment of office furniture.
When The Herald arrived at Zifa Village, chickens were roaming at the premises while Zifa lawyer Ralph Maganga and chief operations officer Joseph Mamutse were standing next to the Foton tractor.
In a writ of execution given by Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku, under case number HC6169/14, Zifa had its property attached to settle the money owed to former communications manager Nicolette Moyo-Dhlamini .
“You are required and directed to attach and take into execution the movable goods of Zimbabwe Football Association, the respondent of number 53 Livingstone Avenue, Harare and of the same cause to be realised the sum of $88 000, which amount Nicolette Moyo-Dhlamini recovered by judgment of this court dated August 19 2014,” read part of the writ of execution.
Moyo-Dhlamini, who was represented by Kumbirai Masasire of Musoni and Masasire Legal Chambers, won the $88 000 arbitration award on July 16 this year.
Her lawyers successfully argued that Moyo-Dhlamini was unfairly dismissed and was entitled to a 30-month backpay, $6 000 for not being given notice in advance and $6 000 for leave days.
Zifa argued that they would pay Moyo-Dhlamini 0one-month salary in the event they reinstate her to the post which they said had been filled.
In the ruling, the arbitrator said Zifa had claimed they were not willing to engage in negotiations with Moyo-Dhlamini.
“Negotiations are not open as claimed by the respondent. There is no employment relationship to salvage the situation. Given this, I shall award damages to the claimant but not as claimed and the date of the award shall be the date of termination,” ruled the arbitrator.
Dhlamini-Moyo’s position at Zifa has since been filled by Xolisani Gwesela.
Moyo-Dhlamini filed the case at the labour court before the arbitrator gave the ruling.
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