Gumede calls for laws to prevent sport scandals

Sport
ZIFA vice-chairman Ndumiso Gumede has called on lawmakers to draft a law, which guards against match-fixing and bribery

ZIFA vice-chairman Ndumiso Gumede has called on lawmakers to draft a law, which guards against match-fixing and bribery as the country is still reeling from the Asiagate and Centralgate scandals. Sukoluhle Mthethwa Sports Reporter

Gumede was addressing various football stakeholders who included Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze, Warriors coach Ian Gorowa , southern region chairperson Morgan Dube, former Zifa southern region secretary Brian Moyo and women’s football vice-chairperson Cecilia Malunga at a local hotel yesterday.

“Provincial chairpersons have a duty to ensure that those who are representing us in Parliament enact laws which make anything to do with match-fixing and bribery criminal,” he said.

“Go and lobby for laws which will deal with match fixing and will see criminals brought to book.”

The meeting was a planning event for the Zifa president Cuthbert Dube’s tour of the country’s 10 provinces starting early next month.

Dube is expected to meet former players, administrators, referees, coaches, local authorities, representatives of fan clubs , the business community and the media.

In a speech read on his behalf by Gumede Dube said: “Some individuals are praying that match-fixing and illegal betting be allowed to come back to haunt our game one more time.”

Dube said Zifa was aware of individuals with selfish agendas keen on reversing the work that they have done so far.

“We are aware that there are people out there who are keen to reverse the gains we have made to date an I urge you to work very hard to protect our gains from the selfish lot. Some individuals are campaigning for the return of the legendary ‘Robin Hood’ and the other thieves so that they can loot football resources. Let us stand up and ensure that our game is protected from the shameless vampires,” he said.

He said football needs individuals who are dedicated and professional in running the sport.

“We do not want to have self-serving leadership. Football needs selfless, dedicated and professional leaders who will submit themselves 24/7 to serve football. We are in football not to get rich overnight. Football leadership is a calling that expects bosses to touch the world and change the lives of players, coaches, referees, fans and the nation at large,” Dube said.

He said this in reference to next year’s elections.

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