Like the seminal writer and depository of African wisdom, Chinua Achebe would say; until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter, the SRC on Thursday, in a meeting with the Zifa Exco, offered notes for Nqobile Magwizi and his team to fasten the knots for the tumble and turn of managing our football, The Page reports.
It was the softest of all landings in the recent history of football and the urbane but combative SRC honcho, Gerald Mlotshwa, in a welcome departure from course, hand held Zifa Exco to the tarmac.
“As we embark on this new chapter, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of collaboration and transparency between the SRC and ZIFA.
“Your success is intertwined with the support we provide, and vice versa.
“Together, we can work towards enhancing the infrastructure, developing grassroots programs, and fostering a competitive spirit that elevates Zimbabwean football on the global stage.
“We are aware of the challenges facing football in our country, but I am confident that with visionary leadership, innovation, and collective effort, we can overcome these obstacles.
“Our responsibility extends beyond the pitch; it includes nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring sustainable growth.
“In conclusion, I encourage open dialogue throughout our partnership.
“The SRC is here to support, guide, and collaborate with you as we set ambitious goals and strive for excellence in Zimbabwean football, ” Mlotshwa told the Exco.
The much vaunted but often swallowed relationship of partnership in sport, was the buzzword, which clearly was a subtle lesson to the Exco by the SRC.
Having shared the organizational roadmap, Magwizi effectively opened the football book, which was an invitation, the SRC accepted with grace.
In it, the Zifa Exco showed the SRC how they intend to rationalize the football infrastructure, starting with an EGM, at which the Congress is expected to be confirmed.
Crucially, the SRC, a constitutional agent of public good, gave their corporate approval of the roadmap, which was indicative of the willingness to rebuild the collapsed walls of football Jerusalem.
The Page, can also confirm that the global football police, FIFA, will arrive in the country next week, to also do a corporate ritual, like what the SRC had on Wednesday, taking the new Exco through the ladder steps.
The FIFA have also approved the roadmap proposal and would come to induct the Exco to the football rails, and cement a good relationship with the SRC following a forgettable last 24 months in which Zifa was suspended on allegations of third party interference.
In short, the FIFA accused the SRC of meddling in Zifa affairs, which was grossly unfair on Mlotshwa’s party, as he was merely upholding the SRC Act instruments.
The misunderstanding then led to the frosty relationship and ultimately the unfair suspension, which took away all our football.
But now that is all water under bridge, as the FIFA, although they didn’t go public about it, met the SRC and apologized for wrongful labeling, which resulted in the organized chaos that gave birth to the problems.
Now that FIFA is arriving to face a brand new and induct a new Exco, the SRC must be thanked for bearing all the bad name, dog style, but remained coiled and mature to breed us this situation.
Well done SRC!
Coming from The Page, it sounds strange if ironic, but there is no denying that Mlotshwa and team were key in getting us here, off course at a cost of reputation and all else.
But then again, like throwing mud, one has to touch it and get the hands dirty.
At Wednesday meeting all that was not said because that wasn’t the right podium.
The Page can confirm that the Exco have done a tremendous amount of work in planning for the EGM, propose for elections where there are gaps or overdue, like the northern region in which only two, of those elected on December 16, 2018, remain in positions, they were elected for.
It therefore follows that, an election to regularize that is required, like elsewhere including the eastern region where Dave Muchena, then chair, now sits in the Exco.
Same with Prof Thomas Marambanyika, at central region. Everything then cascades down to area zones, provinces, women and crucially the PSL where the last chairman resigned to contest for an Exco position.
The SRC are very much appraised of that and that an electoral committee, will be put in place to do the rituals, while all else that require retooling takes place.
Now that the FIFA, SRC and Zifa are singing from one hymn book, football can move forward and our national teams can get the necessary attention, not the least the Mighty Warriors, already in camp preparing for Angola and South Africa in the 2025 WAFCON.
Meanwhile the CAS appeal, questioning the results of the January 25 elections, lodged by Twine Phiri and Phelimon Machana, is suffering serious coughs, as details emerge of the merits or lack thereof of the case.
It may die a natural death. It is a bad game, where nobody wins.
All fish eat human flesh but it is the shark that bears the bad name….
@ChizuzuHope X(formerly Twitter) WHATSAPP +263715001628
