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Sports Reporter
The Lifelong Footballers Trust of Zimbabwe yesterday staged a demonstration against the current wave of xenophobia in South Africa and urged ZIFA to consider boycotting the COSAFA tournament to be held in the country next month.
LFTZ chairman Francis Zimunya led a group comprising members of his organisation, the Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association and Women Soccer Pioneers waving placards denouncing ZIFA’s decision to participate at this year’s edition of the COSAFA tournament.
Zimunya said sportspeople in South Africa were not guaranteed their safety and Zimbabwe should lead in boycotting the tournament until the South African government brings an end to the violence.
“How can people go and play that tournament in a country that does not respect human life? It goes beyond reason,” said Zimunya.
“That’s why we are staging this campaign for ZIFA to boycott COSAFA until this problem with the xenophobic attacks is addressed.
“Zimbabweans are playing a major role in the South Africa sports industry.
“We have many Zimbabweans playing in the South African leagues and in rugby as well we have all seen and heard about Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira. He has helped raise the South Africa flag in their national team.
“Their sports industry is a strong brand because of our players. So we are saying this players should be protected as a special species.
“We have said no to COSAFA being played in South Africa.
“ZIFA should not send our team there because it seems they only need them when they want to use them for personal gains. But are you (ZIFA) protecting their lives? These players are the breadwinners of their families, so let’s protect them.
“This is the message that we are sending across to South Africa, please stop brutalising our players, our artists and our people.”
Zimunya, a former ZIFA board member, said the football leadership demonstrated they were not sensitive to the plight of the players by agreeing to field a team in a tournament in a country facing a crisis because of the attacks on foreigners.
Footballers like Tendai Ndoro and Kingston Nkhata have raised alarm over the current wave of violence on immigrants.
However, ZIFA responded to the demonstration by saying the Warriors will go ahead with the tournament as planned.
ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said they stand by the COSAFA resolution that football should be used to build bridges.
“We would like to reiterate that ZIFA, as a respected member of COSAFA, has no intention of withdrawing from the 2015 tournament to be hosted by South Africa.
“While we sympathise with all victims of the heinous xenophobia attacks, boycotting the prestigious regional tournament is not the best avenue.
“The use of the beautiful game of football is the best way to deal with these violent scenes. The fight against xenophobia is a collective responsibility and COSAFA should be applauded for uniting the region through football.
“We have also received assurance from COSAFA leadership that all teams are guaranteed safety and security,” said Gwesela.
Online Reporter