Zifa Exec committee. Kamambo in talks?

Zim Now Writer

As the Zimbabwe Football Association Executive Committee and Congress members work towards restoring the sport, they are turning to Felton Kamambo as the key to a Fifa reinstatement.

Despite months of fruitless announcements, the group believes Kamambo’s return is a necessary step towards rebuilding the sport.

The parties have reportedly held secret talks with the expelled Zifa president, who has stated that he is open to the idea, saying, “when you want football back, you know where to find me”.

The main obstacle to their efforts is the expelled Zifa board member for finance, Philemon Machana, who is seen as a divisive figure that must step aside for the negotiations to have a chance.

The Zifa Executive members – Barbra Chikosi, Farai Jere, Sugar Chagonda, Gift Banda – and other administrators and Congress members have reportedly agreed to work towards peace and reconciliation, but only if Machana steps aside.

Zifa officials firmly believe that by appealing to the government with the cooperation of Kamambo, they will persuade decision-makers to reinstate the former Mhangura Football Club player and open the door for immediate Fifa reinstatement.

Zimbabwean football fans and stakeholders have endured a nightmare year without Fifa, missing out on important tournaments such as the Cosafa Cup, Afcon, and World Cup qualifiers, as well as continental club championships, referee assignments, Fifa development grants, and player development programmes.

Kenya, which faced a similar suspension due to government interference, has since been reinstated by Fifa after their government reinstated the Football Kenya Federation.

Fifa lifted the suspension on the corruption-accused FKF, noting the reinstatement does not prejudice ongoing investigations and court proceedings.

This move shows that football can indeed be restructured while still being played.

The Kamambo agreement would include a commitment to hold elections within six months of a new constitution being formulated.

However, the new constitution recommended by the SRC-appointed Zifa Restructuring Committee is already facing challenges, as the current Zifa Executive Committee has indicated that not all recommendations will be implemented.

One of the sticking points is the recommendation to bar public office bearers, such as Members of Parliament, from running for Zifa office, “to avoid conflicts of interest or politicisation”.

The recommended new constitution would require a minimum education level and “acceptable literacy skills” for one to be a Zifa Executive member or Congress member.

It remains to be seen if the same individuals affected by the recommendations will go on to implement the reforms.

Interim Zifa president, Gift Banda, who is also a Member of Parliament will be affected by the changes if implemented. Banda tried to be diplomatic during a Friday press conference, saying that a workshop will be held on February 24th and 25th to analyse the report.

In order to create a roadmap, he stressed the significance of matching the Zifa constitution with the suggestions of the Zifa Restructuring Committee as well as with the Fifa constitution and the country’s constitution.

He spoke as SRC board supremo has said the SRC will not hesitate to dissolve the association if Zifa deviates from the recommendations of the SRC-appointed Zifa Restructuring Committee.

It appears there may be a long-drawn battle between Zifa and the SRC over the implementation of reforms if the two parties cannot reach a compromise.

SRC boss Gerald Mlotshwa has stated that Zifa will only formally ask for the suspension to be lifted when they are ready. He has repeatedly said: “The lifting of the suspension is not a priority, let us get that out of our heads, our priority is the process to clean up our football.”

This approach is not enough to save the sport from the current crisis, which is impacting livelihoods every day it continues.

The SRC, Zifa Executive Committee, and Zifa Congress hold the future of Zimbabwean football in their hands and have a chance to close this chapter with integrity.

If they do not take this opportunity, it will be a disservice to the thousands of fans and players who have dedicated their lives to the sport in Zimbabwe.

The future of football in the country depends on their actions, and it is imperative that they work towards a solution that benefits the sport and its participants, rather than personal interests.

Only then can Zimbabwean football truly reach its potential and become a source of livelihood once again.