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Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze has denied the widely held view that his office and that of his president, Cuthbert Dube continuously and deliberately shuns the local media.
In apparent reference to an article carried by this publication on Monday, October 20, headlined “Scribes take swipe at Dube, Mashingaidze,” alleging that the football administrators do not co-operate every time they are called upon, Mashingaidze underlined the need for journalists to respect the association’s communication policy which requires all communications into and out of Zifa to be conducted exclusively through the communications department.

The reaction comes after various journalists took to social media to express their dissatisfaction on the duo’s attitude towards the media.

In an official statement sent via the association’s website, Mashingaidze said they have no intention of shunning the Fourth Estate but instead advised the media to follow proper communication channels.

“We’ld like to make it abundantly clear that the football leadership absolutely has no intention to shy away from the Fourth Estate as we’re fully aware of the invaluable role that the media plays in the development of the beautiful game.

“As an association we’re fully aware of the importance of the media towards the full realisation of our goals therefore we seek nothing else but cooperation from them,” he said.

“We’ld like to reiterate our willingness to answer to all demands from the media since they’re key to the positive portrayal of the brand we represent but as professionals, media practitioners should contact the communications department first as the protocol demands,” said Mashingaidze.

He said the association’s communications manager, Xolisani Gwesela, was in a position to attend to all issues the media need to know with regards to the association’s business.

“Where there’s need to get the input of the general-secretary and the president, the communications manager will arrange for a meeting with the leadership or appropriate departmental head,” said Mashingaidze in his statement released yesterday.