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Zifa soap opera continues

Sport
VZIFA has lifted, with immediate effect, suspensions of 12 councillors, who were involved in the botched coup to axe association president Cuthbert Dube on May 16 after they formally apologised for their actions.

ZIFA has lifted, with immediate effect, suspensions of 12 councillors, who were involved in the botched coup to axe association president Cuthbert Dube on May 16 after they formally apologised for their actions.

BY SPORTS REPORTER

However, Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda, board member (finance) Bernard Gwarada, Women’s Football boss Mirriam Sibanda remain suspended and will now face a disciplinary committee.

The councillors were suspended on June 16 — a situation which then led to the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) to institute a commission of inquiry into the happenings at Zifa.

The 12 are; Northern Region chairperson Willard Manyengavana, Martin Kweza (vice-chairperson) and Sweeny Mushonga (board member).

From the Southern Region, there is Musa Mandaza (chairperson), Tumediso Ndlovu (board member) and Brighton Malandule (board member), while the Eastern Region has Piraishe Mabhena (chairperson) and Davison Muchena (board member).

Felton Kamambo, chairperson of the Central Region and his deputy Patrick Hill, Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Dennis Tshuma and Beach Soccer leader Joseph Musariri have had their suspensions lifted.

Zifa said in a statement yesterday: “The Zimbabwe Football Association would like to inform the local football fraternity that the twelve (12) formerly suspended councillors on charges of bringing football into disrepute have been pardoned following their sincere apologies to the association.

“Consequently, their suspensions have since been lifted with immediate effect in the interest of football development and camaraderie.”

After their suspension, the councillors met with Zifa president Cuthbert Dube and asked for clemency.

“The general secretary in turn wrote to the councillors on June 25 indicating to them that they were compelled to tender written apologies as a sign of remorse. This culminated in the submission of letters of apology from all the twelve councillors.

“Omega Sibanda, Benard Gwarada and Miriam Sibanda remain suspended pending their appearance before the Zifa disciplinary committee.”

Fifa secretary-general Jerome Valcke wrote to Zifa yesterday and reiterated the illegality of the May 16 2015 meeting.

“We have been informed recently that there has been positive dialogue between Zifa and the officials that were apparently suspended. Fifa is happy to take note of this positive dialogue and would be very interested in the outcomes thereof,” Valcke said.