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Temba Mliswa

Sports Reporter
ZIFA have insisted that they did not snub summons to the House of Assembly with the troubled association indicating yesterday that they had written to the Clerk of Parliament seeking clarification on their expected appearance in the August House. The country’s soccer controlling body came under a barrage of attack from parliamentarians last week for allegedly ignoring an invitation to appear before the parliamentary portfolio committee on Sports, Arts and Culture.

Zifa had been expected to present oral evidence on the state of football in the country together with the Sport and Recreation Commission and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.

The no show by the association’s officials drew the ire of the committee that is chaired by Hurungwe West legislator Temba Mliswa, who indicated they would send another invitation to Zifa to come before the parliamentarians.

However, Zifa were still adamant by last night that they had not received any formal communication summoning them to appear at the House of Assembly and had resolved to seek clarification on the matter from the Clerk of Parliament Austin Zvoma.

Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said in a statement yesterday that the issue had also been discussed at the association’s board meeting on Friday night.

Gwesela maintained that Zifa had “never snubbed the call to parliament’’ arguing that the association’s was actually ready to jump at the opportunity to present to the law makers the challenges that football is facing in the country.

Zifa, Gwesela also said had previously appeared before the same committee and the association’s spokesman said the soccer mother body would continue to avail themselves before the legislators “or any arm of Government’’.

“There were outrageous reports claiming that Zifa is snubbing the parliamentary portfolio committee on Sports, Arts and Culture.
“The Zifa board met on Friday and deliberated on a number of issues including this alleged no show by Zifa before the parliamentary portfolio committee. The board took great exception to such misleading allegations since no letter or verbal invitation was sent or extended to Zifa.

“If the letter was indeed sent then documentary proof has to be produced to prove that Zifa was indeed served with the said letter. It is against this background that the board resolved that a letter be written to the Clerk of Parliament registering displeasure on how this issue was handled.

“The association received negative publicity in print, electronic and online media. Some overzealous elements within the online media had insinuations that Zifa had vast experience “in cat and mouse games with Government

“Let it be known to all and sundry that Zifa enjoys a cordial relationship with the Government. Zifa has appeared before previous parliamentary committees and respects the Parliament as a strategic arm of Government. Zifa has also met with the new Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Hon Andrew Langa and his Deputy Hon Tabeth Kanengoni-Malinga. The pair has demonstrated indefatigable energy to take football to greater heights.

“There is therefore no reason for Zifa to snub the parliamentary portfolio committee,’’ Geswela said.
Gwesela claimed the Zifa board was actually eager to meet with the legislators and present their side of the story.
“The board believes that meeting the said committee is the best opportunity for Zifa to make a presentation on the state of football and the numerous challenges the association is facing.

“The association is therefore looking forward to receive a formal invitation to appear before the parliamentary portfolio committee on Sports, Arts and Culture. The association is more than prepared to send a high powered delegation to Parliament.

“Zifa is a law abiding institution registered in terms of the Zifa constitution and affiliated to the Sports and Recreation Commission in terms of the Sports and Recreation Act. There is definitely no way it will show disregard to Parliament. The allegations that Zifa is dodging Parliament are therefore malicious and should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. Such baseless accusations are also in our view the futile efforts of some reckless individuals who do not want to see our football grow. Our priority at the moment is sorely on CHAN preparations which have already commenced,’’ Gwesela said.