SUKOLUHLE NDLOVU IN GWERU
Football fans across the country have expressed mixed feelings over the Confederation of African Football’s decision not to lift ZIFA’s suspension this week.
ZIFA had requested CAF and FIFA to list the ban.
But CAF secretary general, Mosengo-Omba, in a letter to ZIFA said the football association has not fully met conditions which were set by FIFA.
The letter instructed the football body to stop exercising membership rights including accessing funds received from FIFA until it reinstates the Felton Kamambo led executive which has since been replaced by the new executive led by Gift Banda.
“I think it is a better move because it will push the government to invest massively in the football sector which has been neglected for too long.
“The standard in our local football is far below what is expected hence CAF did a good thing as we hope it will push powers that be to put on some efforts towards this sector,” a Gweru based football fan, Khumbulani Sibanda said.
Harare based fan, Alfos Moyo said the stance taken by CAF will stop the government from meddling in ZIFA affairs.
“The government has been interfering in the governing of sports which is against the rules and regulations as stated by FIFA. So, l think this development will serve as a deterrent to government’s interference,” said another fan.
Elliot Zhemu in Bulawayo expressed dismay over the decision saying: The development is not really good for our domestic football. For the Warriors not to participate in any international competitions is a huge blow. This will further damage the football sector which is already reeling from the impact of the covid 19.
According to the CAF letter, Kamambo remains the legitimate president of ZIFA and only his reinstatement by the Sports and Recreation Commission would result in the country’s suspension being lifted.
