THE Ministry of Home Affairs has come under fire for failing to bail out the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa).
Report by Brian Nkiwane
The rap came after the Under-20 national team failed to travel for the return leg of the Africa Youth Championships against Angola three weeks ago. Zifa failed to raise money for air tickets.
The two teams had played a two-all draw in the first leg.
According to football experts, Home Affairs was supposed to save the situation by providing funds that are remitted by State Lotteries.
“If you read the State Lotteries and Gaming Act chapter 10:26 Part V section 45, it clearly states that a proportion of proceeds of State Lotteries are to be used for charity or sport,” one expert said.
Veteran sports administrator who is employed by International Olympic Committee (IOC), Tommy Sithole, said the funds were supposed to be remitted to the Home Affairs ministry which would then rescue sports associations like Zifa through the Sports and Recreation Commission.
“Ministers are not aware of this, but the Act clearly states that the President may, in respect of any State Lottery, determine that a sum not exceeding 25% of the amount subscribed to relief of distress within Zimbabwe,” Sithole said.
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The Act goes on to say the minister may designate not more than one State Lottery in any year as a Sports Lottery. In that event, the full amount paid into the State Lottery account, less any expenses that may have been incurred by the state in conducting it, shall be paid to the Sports and Recreation Commission.
A representative from State Lotteries lamented over the viability of State Lotteries.
“The State Lotteries that we have these days are no longer making money. Taking into consideration the dollarisation some few years ago, people no longer risk their hard-earned cash in betting. We raise money but the proceeds that we remit are too little to make any reasonable payment,” the representative said.
The department of Home Affairs also echoed the same sentiments. “It has been long since we received that grant,” said a representative from Home Affairs.
SRC director general Charles Nhemachena said his organisation had not been getting these grants for a long time now. “I agree with people from Home Affairs that State Lotteries are no longer making huge money like they used to do, so even if there is a percentage set aside as grant, it would be very small.”
Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze also added his voice on the matter.
“The system has changed a bit. These days State Lotteries can give you a licence for certain days that you will use at a designated casino for those particular days but likewise, the money that you raise has become too little,” Mashingaidze said.
