Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA has not appointed any substantive sub-committee contrary to reports that the Zimbabwe Referees Committee led by board member Edzai Kasinauyo was now in place.
Concerns had been raised by some councillors and even members of the board after Fifa development officer Carlos Henriques appeared to endorse the previous committee that had former referee Wilfred Mukuna as deputy, the long-serving Tendayi Bwanya as secretary-general, Brighton Mudzamiri (chief coordinator), Patrick Marumbi(treasurer), Sabelo Maphosa (chief instructor), Edson Nkau (appointments secretary) and Ndaba Ncube as chief commissioner.
“We wonder who endorsed that committee because in terms of Article 34(c) of the Zifa constitution, only the executive committee, not an individual has the power to appoint members of the various sub-committees. We fear that if this is allowed, we could be heading in the same direction that led to the demise of the previous executive committee,” said a councillor, who asked for anonymity.
Zifa president Philip Chiyangwa said no committee had been appointed yet except for sub-committee chairpersons in terms of the constitution.
“No, we haven’t appointed anyone. The referees committee is just an interim one,” said Chiyangwa.
This is likely to bring some relief to the refereeing profession following complaints against some members of the previous and interim leadership bordering on favouritism, which saw some referees being appointed to handle two matches in one weekend.
There were also claims of sexual harassment against non-compliant female referees.
Sources at Zifa headquarters hinted that the Chiyangwa-led executive committee is likely to make wholesale changes to the committee.