“I never said those words in that report. I stand by my written submissions. It is their report and I have no power over that, but I never said those words.”
—Former Premier Soccer League secretary general Godfrey Japajapa.
Japajapa was responding to the Asiagate second report that sought to unravel the complex match-fixing scandal that rocked Zimbabwe since 2007, starting with the Merdeka Cup where he was head of delegation.
“The large part of that information is wrong. Those were questions turned into answers. I never even blamed Nyatanga (Wellington, then Zifa president) and I never travelled with Monomotapa to Malaysia and I never even mentioned the Central Intelligence Organisation.
“We stayed in Malaysia for 22 days and got $100 per day, bringing the total amount to $2200 and no one got more than that. If anyone got more, then they should explain it.
“I challenge Madzorera (Tendai, then Zifa vice president) to prove that I went on numerous trips. As far as I know, I travelled to Merdeka as head of delegation, to Vietnam as a supporter and to China on personal business,” he said.
He produced a copy of the payment schedule which was signed for by eight officials, who received $2200 each bringing the total to $17 6000.
Fourteen players also received and signed for the same amount.
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The officials were himself, team manager Ernest Sibanda, Nyatanga, coach Sunday Chidzambwa, medic Nathan Makanza, goalkeeper’s coach Emmanuel Nyahuma and journalists Robson Sharuko (Herald sports editor) and Josh Munthali of ZBC.
The players included Mtshumayeli Moyo, Johannes Ngodzo, Danisa Phiri, Edward Tembo, Ali Sadiki, Mernard Mupera, Eusebio Manuwere, Edmore Sibanda, Phillip Marufu, Thomas Sweswe, Progress Musepa, Lionel Mtizwa, Tsungi Mudzamiri and Beaven Chikaka.
