ZIFA has ordered a replay of the abandoned Independence Cup final between Dynamos and FC Platinum scheduling it for Wednesday May 13 at Rufaro Stadium.
BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA
This time around, fans will fork out $2 for the rest of ground, Upper Grand Stand $5 and VIP $10 to cover the costs of the match.
But the match — which was supposed to be watched for free — will now see fans having to fork out their hard-earned cash with Zifa saying they had taken into consideration the costs involved in having a replay of the match.
Dynamos, who were leading by 1-0 courtesy of Ronald Chitiyo at the time the match was abandoned in the 64th minute at the National Sports Stadium, had that result nullified and expectation was that the match would only be played for the remaining 26 minutes, plus added time.
“After wide consultations and deliberations, the Zimbabwe Football Association has seen it fit to order a replay of the 2015 Independence Cup Final.
“We have taken into cognisance that the abandonment of the match was a result of force majeure (unforeseen events), therefore none of the participating teams was at fault. This is a new game altogether and it will be played for a full 90 minutes.
“Consequently, the 1-0 position in favour of Dynamos obtained prior to the premature end of the match is hereby nullified.
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“In coming up with this position, we have analysed various possible scenarios within the dictates of the laws of the game as well as the tournament rules and regulations.
“It is also imperative to note that we also looked at costs, hence we found it necessary to charge for entry to this game.
“We also appeal to the football fraternity and the nation at large to proffer the same support they had given on 18 April by coming in large numbers to witness the exhilarating encounter,” read a statement on Zifa’s official website yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Women Football Assembly says Mirriam Sibanda remains suspended as their boss until disciplinary action is taken and have distanced themselves from media reports that Zifa chief Jonathan Mashingaidze was behind the move.
In a statement issued yesterday, the assembly said Monday’s meeting was duly constituted and was meant to deal with challenges facing the game.
“The extraordinary emergency meeting was convened by the Assembly after the Executive refused to call for a meeting on the 11th of April 2015 as had been scheduled. We thus sat as the Assembly as a matter of urgency since the matter at hand involved embezzlement of funds and other critical issues that bring the game of Women Football into disrepute.
“Mrs Mirriam Sibanda and Mr Benny Mamoche wilfully defaulted from the meeting while Mr Edwin Magosvongwe gave an apology. Mrs Elizabeth Langa and Ms Cecilia Gambe were in attendance.”
Women Football regional chairpersons chaired the meeting which deliberated and resolved the following: That:- l Mirriam Sibanda be duly suspended in terms of the Zifa Statutes where two-thirds of the council voted for the motion. Her suspension will allow for disciplinary proceedings and determination.
l Benny Mamoche and Edwin Magosvongwe were also duly suspended in terms of the Zifa Statutes where two-thirds of the Council voted for the motion. Their suspension will allow for disciplinary proceedings and determination. l The Zimbabwe Women Football Assembly wishes to state that we also caution Jerrymike Gumbo of Auckland Queens for bringing the game of football into disrepute.
“The Zimbabwe Women Football Assembly was never manipulated or armtwisted by any external forces, but resolved to act at their own discretion since the behaviour of the three warranted suspension. Contrary to claims by The Herald newspaper, Mr Jonathan Mashingaidze did not mastermind these suspensions. It was a collective decision by the majority of members of the Assembly.
“We are an Assembly and have the due right as enshrined in the Statutes to suspend and appoint. This is a suspension, not a ban. The Zifa Disciplinary Committee will investigate fully the charges and come up with a determination which will guide the Assembly.
“We find it mindboggling that the former chairlady, Mrs Sibanda, sought to communicate to the Press, but not to the council. However, we are unmoved and we will remain resolute.
“In the one year she has been in charge, three clubs, namely Masvingo, New Orleans and Aces, failed to play. New Orleans has a rich 31-year history only to be disenfranchised by the board. More clubs were likely to default from the Super League as new club requirements circulated by Mrs Sibanda aimed at driving unfavourable teams out of football.
“No club, region or province of Women Football shall be allowed to deal with the suspended trio of Mrs Sibanda, Mr Mamoche and Mr Magosvongwe until the issue has been determined by the Zifa Disciplinary Committee,” the statement read.
