Bulawayo Bureau
THE ZIFA executive committee meets in Harare for an important board indaba that will deliberate on, among other issues, the lifting of various sanctions that were imposed on individuals accused of involvement in the Asiagate match-fixing scandal.

ZIFA communications manager Xolisani Gwesela confirmed yesterday that the new board will be holding their second executive committee meeting today, but declined to reveal the agenda.

However, ZIFA president Phillip Chiyangwa issued a statement last week indicating that they would deliberate on the Asiagate issue that saw a number of players, officials and media personnel being sanctioned by the previous board.

Chiyangwa said they were keen to bring finality to the long-dragging Asiagate saga.

“We understand some players, officials and journalists were banned for their alleged role in the Asiagate scandal. We feel it is prudent to review such sanctions and unite members of the football fraternity,” Chiyangwa told the ZIFA website last week.

Some of the football personalities such as former ZIFA chief executive officer Henrietta Rushwaya and former Highlanders’ prolific striker Zenzo Moyo, might all find themselves free persons by the end of the ZIFA meeting.

The ZIFA boss on Wednesday also told guests at a luncheon he hosted for the Warriors that the board would also discuss the senior team’s trip to Rwanda for the African Nations Championships finals amid revelations that Harare businessman Wicknell Chivayo has pledged to fund their upkeep while in the East African country.

Zimbabwe are in a tough Group D that includes old enemies Zambia, West African giants Mali and East African football kings Uganda.

What might be of worry to the ZIFA board is the increasing likelihood of coach Callisto Pasuwa’s men heading to Rwanda without playing any friendly match.

The coach has not hidden his disappointment about the failure to have his squad assess themselves before plunging into their opening assignment against Zambia in Rubavu.

On the financial front, the ZIFA board’s nerves have been calmed by Chivayo’s intervention and undertaking to take care of the Warriors’ expenses, including player bonuses, for the duration of their stay in Rwanda.

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