The ZIFA Normalisation Committee continued to tick boxes on its FIFA-given mandates in office after they signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) this Friday.
The agreement addresses several issues that were of concern which resultantly led to government interference in ZIFA operations forcing the world football federation, FIFA, to suspend Zimbabwe in 2021.
As part of its orders during the lifting of the ban, FIFA instructed the ZIFA Normalisation Committee to establish, with the help of FIFA, a collaboration agreement between the government through the SRC, which will define the responsibilities and objectives of each party, including addressing sexual harassment.
“This is part of what FIFA recommended during the lifting of the ban that the NC and the SRC needed to regarding the management of their relationship going forward.
“That was because FIFA had greatly appreciated the issues that were raised by the SRC and the need to find common platform between the two.
“This has become the appropriate time to sign the MOU because it will not just govern the relationship between the NC and the SRC but with the new incoming board of ZIFA as well, going forward,” said SRC chairman Gerald Mlotshwa.
ZIFA NC chairman Lincoln Mutasa said the football federation’s relationship with the government, through the SRC, has vastly improved and both parties are doing their best to ensure Zimbabwe football is restored to its former glory days.
“The signing of this MOU is a testament of the good relationship between ZIFA and government through the SRC.
“As the Normalisation Committee, I believe this is part of the positive steps to restore our football to where it was before,” said Mutasa.
ZIFA NC’s term in office is ending in January 2025. However, the committee has already completed more than half of its given tasks, although it is yet to deal with the constitutional amendments that will then lead to the ZIFA general election. — NewZimbabwe
