ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi is set to engage CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Interim General Secretary Samson Adamu over the decision to bar spectators from Zimbabwe’s home international matches.
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Read E-PaperThe CAF directive came after a fan died in a stampede during Zimbabwe’s AFCON qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the National Sports Stadium in Harare in September.
Speaking at the CAF Strategy Conference in Sal Island, Cape Verde, Magwizi said he intends to use his meetings with the CAF leadership to seek clarity on the sanction and discuss measures to improve match-day security.
“I’m here, I’ve noted a chance to speak to president Motsepe and the GS. I will be speaking with them and of course when we meet tomorrow I will give you a much clearer answer as to where we are,” Magwizi told SABC Sport.
He acknowledged that security arrangements were overwhelmed during the Warriors’ opening home match but said ZIFA made efforts to address the shortcomings during the subsequent U23 encounter against Mauritius.
“Those things were corrected in the second match where we played Mauritius. These are the issues that I need to clear with the general secretary of CAF, as well as the president and of course the head of security so that we can align and agree on the next steps that must be taken to strengthen our security plans and processes for Zimbabwe,” he said.
The September match was marred by chaotic scenes around Gate 2, with reports indicating the involvement of a police vehicle, while spectators also invaded the pitch after the final whistle.
CAF subsequently notified ZIFA that spectators would not be permitted at Zimbabwe’s home matches until further notice.
Magwizi said the association is hopeful that its efforts to strengthen security will be considered by CAF.
“We must as an association guarantee our fans when they come to watch matches that they are safe and that is the work that we need to work on in collaboration of course with CAF and the government of Zimbabwe,” he said.
