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Charismatic former Warriors manager Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda was yesterday thrown a lifeline when his five-year ban from all football activities was wholly suspended without any fine being imposed on him.

He was considered an honest witness who did not waste the investigating committees’ time when called up to give his side of what happened at the August 2007 Merdeka Cup.

Sibanda is one of six people who went scot free. The others are former Warriors assistant coach Joe Antipas, players Nyasha Mushekwi and Washington Arubi. Antipas had his five-year ban wholly suspended while the two players who are now turning out for South African sides Mamelodi Sundowns and Pretoria University had their one year bans also wholly suspended.

Mushekwi is said to be in for an award with Energy Murambadoro for taking a stand against matchfixing during the time. Murambadoro is said to have wept when told to concede goals.

Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze confirmed the latest development during an interview  yesterday.

He said the fines depended on the level of participation by the concerned individuals.

“Some were very co-operative during investigations,” said Mashingaidze.

The Zifa head of secretariat said players had up to 31 December to pay the fines or risk serving the initial sentence.

There was however no reprieve for Bantu Rovers director and former Under-20 head coach Methembe Ndlovu, former Warriors coach Norman Mapeza as well as Shabanie Mine mentor Luke Masomere. The duo were given effective two-year bans.

Masomere was the senior national team coach for their trip to Vietnam while Ndlovu was in charge of the Under-20 boys’ trip to China and Bulgaria.

Mapeza went with the team to the Cecafa tournament.

Former senior team physiotherapist  Lloyd  Maungwa and team doctor Sachikonye had their one-year bans suspended for two years.

A total of 60 players were handed fines ranging from $1 000 to $4 000 which should be paid by 31 December this year. Most of the players had been banned for one-year.

Hardest hit among the players was Pretoria University’s Lionel Mtizwa and former Highlanders midfield maestro Johannes Ngodzo who were fined a total of $7 000 and $4 000 respectively, all to be paid by the end of the year. Mtizwa received $3 000 fines for his part in the Vietnam and another  $3 000 for the Cecafa tour, $1 000 for the Merdeka Cup while Ngodzo was fined $3 000 for the Warriors’ trip to Vietnam and $1 000 for the Merdeka tournament.

Highlanders’ Beavan Chikaka was fined $1 000 for taking part in the Merdeka Cup so did other 11 players that include the exciting FC Platinum star Ali Sadiki who was ruled out of the Soccer Star of the Year selection because of Asiagate.

Zephaniah Ngodzo, Tafadzwa Dube, Thabani Kamusoko and Khumbulani Banda, all FC Platinum players were handed $3 000 fines as did Ocean Mushure of Dynamos, Daniel Kamunhenga of Hwange and Nqobile Mpala of Caps United.

A total of 20 players received $3 000 fines while 28 got $2 000 fines.

In a communiqué released by Zifa yesterday, players and officials who may want to appeal against the decision may do so by filing their notices of appeal and paying the appeal fee of $6 000 by tomorrow.

Zimbabwe’s world rankings got a severe blow between 2007 and 2010 when the Warriors played in tournaments chiefly in Asia to lose matches. These were organised by matchfixing and betting syndicates with headquarters in Singapore which were spearheaded by Wilson Raj Perumal who has served time for offences in Finland.

Perumal has turned a witness and is being kept in a safe house in Hungary where he is helping Fifa and Interpol in their bid to crack down the Asian criminals.

Meanwhile, cashstrapped Zifa is set to smile all the way to the bank with a cool $128 000 in fines.

Mashingaidze though, rubbished the issue of fines as a money spinning move by the association saying the damage which was done to national football was irreparable.

“Zimbabwe lost millions in potential revenue and to compare what the fines will raise is just not right, it’s really a pittance,” said Mashingaidze.

Full list

(Name, Tournament, Position, Sentence)

1. Solomon Mugavazi, Malaysia, Monomotapa FC Official, Five (5)years

2. Luke Masomere, Vietnam, Former National Team Coach, Two (2) years

3. Methembe Ndlovu, China, Former National U20 Coach, Two (2) years

4. Lloyd Maungwa, Thailand and Malaysia Former Senior National Team physiotherapist, One (1) year wholly suspended for two (2) years

5. Dr Sachikonye, Thailand and Malaysia, Former Senior National Men’s Team Doctor, One (1) year wholly suspended for two (2) years

6. Norman Mapeza Cecafa, Kenya, Former Senior National Men’s Team Coach, Six (6) Months

7. Nyasha Mushekwi, Thailand and Malaysia, Former National Team Player, One (1) year wholly suspended.

8. Washington Arubi, Thailand and Malaysia, Former National Team Player, One (1) year wholly suspended.

9. Ernest Sibanda, Malaysia, Former Senior National Team’s Manager, Five (5) years wholly suspended.

10. Joseph Antipas, Thailand and Malaysia, Former Senior National Team Coach, Five (5) years wholly suspended.

11. Godfrey Mangove, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of US $ 2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

12. Daniel Zokoto, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of    $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

13. Daniel Kamunhenga, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

14. Tendai Gwata, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of    $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

15. Tapiwa Mapfunga, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

16. Charles Chiutsa, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of       $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

17. Abel Chimusara, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

18. Brian Mapfumo, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of        $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

19. Vorster Chitema, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

20. Mackay Kawashu, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

21. Lawrence Mdhluli, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

22. Luckmore Simango, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

23. Tendai Samanja, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of        $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

24. Asani Nhongo, Malaysia and Tunisia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of       $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

25. Christopher Samakweri Malaysia and Tunisia Player One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

26. Eusebio Manuwere, Vietnam Tour, Player, One Year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of              $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

27. Mtshumayeli Moyo, Vietnam Tour, Player, One Year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

28. Lionel Mtizwa, Vietnam Tour, Player, One year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $ 3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

29. Johannes Ngodzo, Vietnam Tour, Player, One year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

30. Johannes Ngodzo, Merdeca Tournament, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $1 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

31. Tsungai Mudzamiri, Merdeca Tournament, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $1 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

32. Ramson Zhuwawo, Merdeca Tournament, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $1 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

33. Ali Sadiki, Merdeca, Tournament, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $1 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

34. Lionel Mtizwa, Merdeca Tournament, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of    $1 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

35. Philip Marufu, Merdeca Tournament, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of    $1 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

36. Beaven Chikaka, Merdeca Tournament, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $1 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

37. Progress Mutepfa, Merdeca Tournament, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $1 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

38. Eusebia Manuwere, Merdeca Tournament, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $1 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

39. Edward Tembo, Merdeca Tournament, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $1000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

40. Menard Mupera, Merdeca Tournament, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $1 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

41. Mtshumayeli Moyo, Merdeca Tournament, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $1 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

42. Benjamin Marere, Thailand and Malaysia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

43. George Karimapfumbi, Thailand and Malaysia, Player One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

44. George Magariro, Thailand and Malaysia, Player One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

45. Gilbert Mapemba, Thailand and Malaysia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

46. Philip Marufu, Thailand and Malaysia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of    $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

47. Ashley Rambanepasi, Thailand and Malaysia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

48. Tafadzwa Rusike, Thailand and Malaysia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

49. Daniel Vheremu, Thailand and Malaysia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

50. Ramson Zhuwawo, Thailand and Malaysia, Player, One (1) year wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

51. Artwell Mukandi, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of          $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

52. Tafadzwa Dube, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of          $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012

53. Zephania Ngodzo, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of          $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

54. Ndumiso Khanye, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of             $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

 

55. Casper Machona Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of          $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

56. Ocean Mushure, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of          $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

57. Khumbulani Banda, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of   $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

58. Lionel Mtizwa, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

59. Brian Mapfumo, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of          $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

60. Thabani Kamusoko, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of   $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

61. Tapiwa Mangezi, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of          $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012

62. Nicholas Alifandika, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of     $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

63. William Kupera, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of  $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012

64. Daniel Kamhunhenga, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

65. Nqobile Mpala, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of          $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012

66. Tawanda Nyamadzawo, Cecafa-Kenya, Player, Three (3) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $3 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

67. Qadir Amini, Bulgaria Tour, Player, Two (2) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

68. Tawanda Mandicha, Bulgaria Tour, Player, Two (2) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of          $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012

69. Augustine Mbara, Bulgaria Tour, Player, Two (2) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of          $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.

70. Artwell Mukandi, Bulgaria Tour, Player, Two (2) years wholly suspended on condition that a fine of          $2 000 is paid by 31st December 2012.