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Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Sports and Recreation Commission yesterday approved and registered the amended ZIFA constitution that will be used to conduct the long-awaited elections for a new administration early next year
The document, which was a product of rigorous constitutional review process, was ratified by the ZIFA Congress last month despite heated debates over new clause that requires prospective office holders vying for the association’s presidency or vice-presidency to have a minimum of five Ordinary Level passes as a basic educational entry point.
The constitutional amendment process was one of the six mandates set for Lincoln Mutasa’s Normalisation Committee by their principals at FIFA as part of the ZIFA elections road map.
The latest development signals a major step forward towards restoring normal business operations at ZIFA.
The association’s spokesperson; Mike Madoda, yesterday confirmed the new constitution was now functional after its approval and registration by the Sports Commission.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association Normalisation Committee is pleased to announce that the registration of ZIFA Constitutional Amendments has been approved in terms of section 29 of the Sports and Recreation Commission Act [ Chapter 25:15.
“The ZIFA Constitution also referred to as the ZIFA Statutes, will from now onwards be applied as amended,” said Madoda.
The ZIFA constitution needed to be upgraded in order to improve efficiency and functionality of the association, as it was last amended in 2013.
To their credit, the Sport and Recreation Commission, the Normalisation Committee and FIFA worked hand in glove to ensure the amendment process was completed as one of the key pillars to the ZIFA reforms.
When the ZIFA Congress met on October 18, the 58 bona fide delegates overwhelmingly voted to adopt the amendments to the constitution, with 48 of them ticking the Yes box while eight objected and two ballots were spoiled.
“We would like to extend our profound gratitude to all ZIFA Members, SRC, CAF, FIFA, and other stakeholders for their concerted efforts in making this Statutes Review Process a resounding success.
“The Normalisation Committee will continue to inform all its stakeholders regarding the next steps of their mandate,” said Madoda.
The registration of the new constitution is a key step towards the fulfilment of the Normalisation Committee’s mandate, and now it is only left with conducting elections and handing over power to a new board.
The nomination of candidates is expected to open on November 14 and closes on November 29.
This will be followed by vetting of candidates before the actual field of candidates is finalised.
The new ZIFA Board, comprising the president, his two deputies — one of whom shall be a woman — and six ordinary members will then be elected in January.
Two ex-officio members representing the Premier Soccer League and Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League will also make up the board, although these will be picked in subsequent elections.
Online Reporter
