Fans take war SRC`s doorstep

Raymond Jaravaza

FED up with the manner the authorities are allegedly failing to properly handle the impasse between Zifa and Fifa, which culminated in the country being barred from international football, fans are taking their fight to the doorsteps of the Sports and Recreation Commission.

Fans plan to march to the offices of the SRC on 6 April 2023.

“The Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association (ZNSSA) would like to hold a demonstration at the offices of the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) located at the National Sports Stadium.

“Football Supporters are not happy about the way the SRC has handled the Zifa, Fifa impasse. After concerted efforts for it (SRC) to do the right thing, it has remained arrogant to the detriment of Zimbabwean football.

“Zimbabwean football supporters want Zifa to be readmitted into international football by Fifa,” ZNSSA wrote to the Officer Commanding Harare Province, seeking clearance from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to hold the demonstration.

Joseph Mutawu, the ZNSSA secretary-general, confirmed to B-Metro Sport that the letter seeking authority to hold the demonstration was authentic but said he would not make further comments until ZRP cleared the organisation to go ahead with the march.

“We are expecting at least 1 000 supporters at the march and we are also going to appoint at least 20 marshals to monitor and control the participants. They shall wear distinctive vests inscribed ZNSSA Marshall to distinguish themselves from the participants. Our demonstration is non-political and we shall make sure that no political activities, violence, vandalism and theft of public property takes place,” further read the letter.

Zimbabwe was kicked from international football by Fifa after the local governing body — Zifa — was suspended by the SRC over a litany of charges that include misappropriation of funds and sexual abuse of female referees.

Fifa frowns upon any form of government or third-party interference in the running of football. Felton Kamambo and his executive have been on the sidelines of local football for over a year. Acting president Gift Banda was tasked with running the affairs of Zifa until elections are held.
In the meantime, Zimbabwe cannot take part in regional and international tournaments such as Cosafa, Africa Cup of Nations and the Fifa World Cup. Local clubs can’t also compete in the African Champions League.