Clubs risk Caf ban

Sport
ZIMBABWE clubs could be banned from the Confederation of African Football (Caf) competitions if they fail to implement the required club licensing measures.

ZIMBABWE clubs could face a ban from the Confederation of African Football (Caf) competitions next year if they fail to implement the required club licensing measures. WELLINGTON TONI SPORTS EDITOR

The Caf executive committee, which has been meeting in Cairo, Egypt, issued the directive on Monday which threatens chances of Zimbabwe’s perennial contenders Dynamos in the Champions League.

Winners of the Mbada Diamonds Cup will also take part in the Confederation Cup, but would be barred from doing so, if they do not meet the requirements.

“The Confederation of African Football executive committee has tasked its affiliated national associations to ensure the mandatory implementation of the club licensing directive (including national club licensing regulations, decision-making bodies and statutory provisions) by the end of 2013.

“National associations that fail to meet the requirements could have their clubs banned from Caf club competitions for the year 2014,” the continental body said on Monday.

Premier Soccer League (PSL) chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele said the implementing body should comply by January 2014.

“We must at least try to meet the minimum requirements although this is done by Zifa,” Ndebele said yesterday.

“These should include a full office, access to the stadium they use and approval certificate, audited financial statements and a written down youth development programme for three teams.” Highlanders are the only team that has consistently produced audited accounts in line with their constitution.

Last week, the league held a workshop with How Mine to assist them to set up proper structures. Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said they will enforce the Caf orders.

“Deadline for the registration of teams for the club competitions is November 30, meaning the clubs have two months to speed up the process. The ball is in their court because this issue has been going on since 2010 and clubs did not take things seriously,” he said.

“Kenny (PSL chief executive), has been preaching the same gospel and we need to move with speed because we need to see the modernisation of the game in Zimbabwe.”

In 2009, 16 PSL clubs met and passed the Harare Declaration where a number of issues were supposed to have been implemented by the end of 2010, but up to now the majority of key issues have not been attended to.

Fifa representatives Florie Ramogodi, Frederick Mngomezulu and Mathew Haikali conducted the course in Harare between November 30 and December 5 2009 under the Fifa Win in Africa with Africa club management course.

Some of the issues include a clear distinction between the role of a welfare manager and head coach — a reported source of conflict at Highlanders this season between Kelvin Kaindu and Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo.

Basic facilities like fully furnished offices with at least basic communication things like telephone lines, faxes and e-mails are missing from a number of clubs in the country.

According to Article 1,1 of the Club Licensing Regulations, the whole aim is meant to safeguard the credibility and integrity of club competitions and improve levels of professionalism within the football family.

It also seeks to promote sport values in accordance with the principles of fair play as well as safe and secure match commitments.

The regulations are meant to promote transparency in the finances of clubs, their ownership and control.

Of late, there has been a tussle for clear structures at Caps United between Twine Phiri and former club director Farai Jere, who still owns 25% of the team despite pulling out.

Caps though, are the only club in the country with a chief executive officer while giants Highlanders have elected office bearers. The executive committee at Dynamos is appointed by the club’s board of directors.

In company-owned teams, there has also been lack of distinction between company employees and the management of the team.

At FC Platinum, there is a clear structure that separates team management from the principal owners of the club, Mimosa, while their commercial arm is also headed separately — a blue print of the previous executive led by Nathan Shoko and Tadson Zhou.

Chicken Inn, Triangle and Hwange are still to make that clear distinction.

With big sponsors like SuperSport, Mbada Diamonds, BancABC and NetOne in the game, a definite improvement is needed.