ZIMBABWE Football Association (Zifa) has asked the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport to look into the issue of levies which continue to bleed the coffers of the association.
By Brian Nkiwane
Speaking at the Commissioning of the Zimbabawe Football Trust in Harare which was graced by the three members of the portfolio committee, Zifa president Cuthbert Dube said parliament should debate their grievances.
“We are having a number of problems among them levies that we pay after hosting every match which continue to bleed the coffers of the beleaguered association. At the end of the day, we are left with nothing to run the association. What we want is a repeal of some of these policies to suit our situation,” Dube pleaded.
It was revealed at this commissioning ceremony that after hosting any form of match, Zifa loses a lot of money to stakeholders that include city councils, the Ministry of Public Works, the police as well as the Sports and Recreation Commission.
The Ministry of Public Works charges Zifa 15% of the total revenue each time the association uses the National Sports Stadium, while the City of Harare charges 20% for the use of their grounds. On average, this translates to amounts ranging from US$5 800 to US$7 000, which Dube said could go a long way in helping the association.
“We have since had problems with the police who are now flocking to our matches. The most disturbing issue is that they would want to be paid according to their ranks. The police should provide national duty during our matches,” added Dube.
Dube also added that there was need to repeal some of the standing policies like paying a 6% levy to the SRC.
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“It might look like its little but it’s a lot of money. Imagine an average of US$6 000 to US$7 000 going towards preparations and the welfare of players; it will go a long way. We therefore urge the members of the portfolio committee to take up our grievances for discussion at parliamentary level.”
