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Harare Bureau
THE Zifa leadership is worried by the continued suspension of its chief executive officer, Joseph Mamutse, who is being investigated by the Sports and Recreation Commission.

Mamutse was suspended together with SRC director-general Prince Mupazviriho to pave way for an inquiry into how a number of national football teams were cleared for international assignments in violation of the national Covid-19 regulations last year.

Zifa has lodged an appeal with the Administrative Court to challenge Mamutse’s suspension by the SRC.

Mamutse also has to answer questions over the expulsion of the Young Warriors from the Under-17 Cosafa tournament in South Africa on age-cheating allegations.

However, Zifa is beginning to feel that the prolonged absence of its chief of secretariat is beginning to affect operations.

The association’s spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said the issue was discussed at the recent Zifa board meeting.

“The executive committee noted with concern, the continued suspension of the Zifa general secretary Mr Joseph Mamutse for over eight months without a disciplinary hearing by the SRC.

“The board resolved to keep engaging, but hoping for quick settlement of the matter at the Administrative Court. It is worrisome that an association preparing for important national assignments continues to operate without a general secretary,” said Gwesela.

In reaching the decision to suspend Mamutse and Mupazviriho, the SRC noted, among other shortcomings that:

“1.1 The Zimbabwe national women’s football team left Zimbabwe to participate in a tournament in South Africa without the necessary approval from the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation (‘Sports Ministry’) in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (Health Ministry) in light of the Covid-19 Regulations and attendant directives thereto;

“1.2 The Zimbabwe national Under-17 girl’s football team left Zimbabwe to participate in a tournament in South Africa without the necessary approval from the Sports Ministry in conjunction with the Health Ministry in light of the Covid-19 Regulations and attendant directives thereto;

“1.3 The circumstances under which the Zimbabwe national Under-17 boy’s football team left Zimbabwe to participate in a tournament in South Africa without the necessary approval from the Sports Ministry in conjunction with the Health Ministry in light of the Covid-19 Regulations and attendant directives thereto;

“1.4 The circumstances under which the Zimbabwe national Under-17 boy’s football team was nonetheless disqualified from participating in the said Cosafa tournament on allegations of including overage player(s) in the side.”