The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has launched a scathing critique of the ZIFA Normalisation Committee (NC), accusing the interim football body of hindering progress toward a permanent solution for the country’s footballing woes.
This friction comes as Zimbabwe attempts to move past a dark chapter that saw the nation suspended from international football by FIFA for several months. According to the SRC, the very body tasked with “normalising” the game is now the primary bottleneck.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail, SRC Director-General Eltah Nengomasha revealed that a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—designed to provide a clear path for development—has been ignored by the ZIFA NC for nearly half a year.
“A draft of the MoU was finalized last year. It has been roughly five months now, but the Normalisation Committee has not bothered to respond,” Nengomasha stated. “Despite specific follow-ups being made since then, we have received no feedback.”
The growing animosity between the sports regulator and the ZIFA NC is becoming increasingly visible. Experts warn that this “palpable tension” could once again catch the attention of FIFA, which monitors member associations for administrative stability and independence.
This isn’t the first time the two entities have clashed recently. Last month, SRC Chairperson Gerald Mlotshwa publicly criticized the ZIFA NC for what he termed a “boycott” of the commissioning of The Heart Stadium in Waterfalls. The facility, built by Prophet Walter Magaya, was officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In response to those allegations, ZIFA NC Chairman Lincoln Mutasa claimed that the committee was only notified of the event two days prior, making attendance difficult.
What’s at Stake?
The failure to finalize the MoU suggests a breakdown in the roadmap intended to:
- Restructure ZIFA’s administration.
- Review the football statutes.
- Pave the way for fresh, transparent elections.
As the SRC’s patience wears thin, the ZIFA Normalisation Committee faces increasing pressure to prove they are capable of steering Zimbabwean football back to professional standards before the international community loses confidence once again.
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