A major storm has broken out in local football following revelations that football authorities in the country are taking their girlfriends and family members to the African Cup of Nations in Egypt robbing genuine warriors fans of an opportunity to go and cheer the team on.
Bususinessman Kuda Tagwireyi, popularly known as Queen Bee, donated money to sponsor forty genuine die hard Warriors fans to accompany the team to Egypt through ZIFA.
The money the businessman donated covered everything as it included airfare, hotel accommodation and food to ensure that the Warriors would have someone to back them during their matches.
Unfortunately, officials from ZIFA who received the money are reported to have picked each other as well as their friends who include some journalists and their girlfriends to make the trip. Only 4 genuine fans were picked to make the Egypt trip.
Prominent socialite and radio presenter, Ezra Tshisa Sibanda was the first to expose the rot when he revealed that Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe had abused the facility by taking with him his son and friends on the trip.
“But this is a sad day for football and most especially the Warriors who need every support they can get in Egypt,” wrote Sibanda.
“Highlanders Chairman Kenneth Mhlophe at it again. This is the picture of Bosso Chairman and his son joining others at Zifa offices ready to be taken to the airport enroute to Egypt. Zifa invited premier league clubs to nominate 3 of their die hard supporters to travel for AFCON Tournament in Egypt which starts this coming Friday and guess who Bosso chairman picked? Mhlophe whose lack of leadership qualities have caused chaos, division and infighting at Highlanders picked his own son and a friend to travel with him to Cairo to watch Warriors take on Pharaohs on Friday.”
“Why not choose Highlanders ordinary fans Mr Chairman? You hate Bosso Supportrers. What an embarrassment by Mhlophe and his son. Zifa should send both of them back to Zim immediately after landing. This is barbaric behaviour. “
When local media, Zim Morning Post, asked ZIFA to comment on the issue, they dismissed the allegations as baseless. ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela is quoted as saying,
“Those are baseless allegations and a concoction of falsehoods. ZIFA is an accountable organisation and we are fully aware of our responsibilities. We will never abuse any funds. Your so-called “good authority sources” have misled you. We dismiss these falsehoods with the contempt they deserve. Meanwhile, we remain focused as we prepare for our AFCON group A encounter against the Pharaohs on Friday.”