Soccer supporters association condemns corruption
Japajapa’s concerns come in the wake of the allegations of malpractices in the Zifa Central Region Division One, which has stalled the promotion of one team from the league following the dispute between Hardbody and Tripple B.
“What is currently going on in our football is totally unacceptable. Our game will die if these things are left unattended to with urgency. Zimbabwe has talent but we cannot go anywhere if we don’t act to eradicate this cancer,” said Japajapa.
Japajapa applauded Zifa’s efforts to cleanse the system but said the association should treat such cases with urgency. He also said the supporters are looking forward to having a say in the way the game is run and revealed that his association has come up with plans to lobby for a seat in the Zifa Council.
“We are the biggest stakeholders in football because we have the biggest constituency. Supporters make the majority in football in terms of numbers and we feel they should have a say.
“We are lobbying for the supporters to get a seat in the council and we are going to push for that at the next council meeting.
“We are also envisaging a situation where a Zifa president should come from the supporters in future because they are the biggest stakeholders by virtue of their numbers,” said Japajapa.
In another development, ZNSSA president Eddie Nyatanga yesterday challenged Dynamos to finalise their contract talks with coach Callisto Pasuwa.
Nyatanga said football administrators should be sincere in their dealings with players and officials who deliver the product on the field.
“ZNSSA is non-partisan when it comes to the domestic game but as stakeholders we are urging Dynamos to be fair with Pasuwa.
“They should emulate what Motor Action have done with Joey Antipas. They gave him all the time to build a competitive side despite the ups and downs they faced.
“Look where they are now, they are a side that can compete for the championship any time because they haven’t tampered with the structures.
“All we want as supporters is competition and exciting football. This man Pasuwa has done great things for the club that no other coach has achieved in the last couple of years.
“Since he joined Dynamos Pasuwa has brought competition on the scene, revived the excitement on the terraces, emphasised Fair Play and above all brought back the crowds to the stadia.
“These are the things that make football a beautiful game and we need that next season, with all teams also doing their homework and expected to play competitively.” Nyatanga also said fans should rally behind the country’s representatives in the African Safari next year.
FC Platinum and Dynamos will compete in the Champions League while Hwange and Motor Action have qualified for the Confederation Cup.
“We are calling on supporters to be patriotic when it comes to national duty. We must unite and back whoever is representing the nation in the Caf tournaments.
“No matter which team you support, you must always remember that any of our clubs’ success in Africa will not only be to their glory but it also reflects well for Zimbabwean football.
“We have already linked up with FC Platinum and they have promised to take some of our members to Swaziland with them,” said Nyatanga.
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