Chamu Chiwanza, chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sports and Recreation, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the ZIFA Normalisation Committee (NC).
The outspoken Member of Parliament criticized the ZIFA NC, labeling them as “clueless” and ‘incompetent.’
Chiwanza accused the NC of failing to fulfill their mandate to ‘normalise’ Zimbabwean football since their appointment by FIFA a year ago.
This criticism followed the NC’s appearance before the parliamentary portfolio committee on sports at the new Parliament in Mt Hampden on Thursday morning.
Present were Chairman Lincoln Mutasa, Member Nyasha Sanyamandwe, and Secretary General Yvonne Mapika Manwa.
Expressing his disappointment with the committee’s performance, Chiwanza told the media:
“They are completely clueless, and they don’t understand football. Not even how to run it, but football in general. From the secretary general to the legal director in charge.”
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Clearly upset, Chiwanza added:
“As a committee, there’s no better way to describe the disaster we witnessed today. What a catastrophe from the ZIFA NC.
“We cannot allow our football to be managed by clueless individuals with selfish agendas.”
“Zimbabwe is a football-loving nation. The people are passionate about football, and our president is working hard to ensure Zimbabweans are happy. We cannot let those running football derail it.
Surprisingly, Chiwanza called for Mutasa’s immediate resignation.
“I expect the chairman of the ZIFA NC to resign immediately. He has no idea.
“It’s a disaster. The degradation and decay of football (in Zimbabwe) has worsened since they (NC) took office a year ago,” he declared.
Chiwanza’s criticism comes a few weeks after FIFA extended the ZIFA NC’s mandate until January 2025.
The committee, originally composed of five members, was appointed by FIFA in July 2023 but has since been reduced to three members following the removal of ex-Highlanders defender Sikhumbuzo Ndebele and chartered accountant Cynthia Malaba.
Initially, the committee was responsible for overseeing ZIFA’s day-to-day operations, but following the extension of their mandate, FIFA limited their duties to preparing for ZIFA elections only.
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