The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE committee to restructure the country’s football, which was appointed by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) following the suspension of the Zifa board, will start its operations in earnest with nationwide stakeholder consultative forums already lined up.
According to the SRC, the restructuring committee is a year-long effort to transform football in the country.
The committee starts its operations after the country’s expulsion from the Fifa family owing to alleged Government interference in the management of the game of football.
In a statement released this morning, the committee chairperson Blessing Rugara wrote: “Preparations for the public hearings are at an advanced stage and the public will be advised of the dates in due course. These consultations are part of a process that will lead to the publication of a strategic report outlining a multi-year plan for developing football in Zimbabwe.
“In conjunction with the public hearings, the restructuring committee is establishing technology portals to facilitate fan participation and engagement. These portals will increase interactive access to a wider football audience who may not physically attend public hearings. The portals will provide a mechanism for Zimbabweans in the diaspora to participate in the restructuring process.”
The statement further noted that the committee has confirmed meetings with Zifa officials, female administrators and players.
The meetings are set for next Tuesday.
“Zifa will be transformed into a dutiful organisation that cares for players, officials, supporters, referees and administrators. Zifa will lead by example, becoming a fiduciary institution that is beyond reproach as a financial custodian in the administration of football in Zimbabwe.
“Fundamentally, the committee seeks to create a sustainable and productive pathway for successful football in Zimbabwe. To this end, the restructuring committee has put in place principles of integrity, team work, inclusivity and transformation to guide the journey towards developing football,” reads part of the statement.
It also outlined efforts that are being made to seek reengagement with continental and global football administration bodies.
“The Committee is working daily to identify solutions that adequately address the current challenges in football in Zimbabwe, this includes identifying suitable pathways towards a positive re-engagement process with Fifa and Caf and creating a platform for significant growth in the coming years,” reads the statement.
