Sports

Sexual harassment saga: Zimbabwean female referees accuse Zifa and Fifa of going silent

Published

4 years ago

January 26, 2022

BY ED AARONS AND ROMAIN MOLINA

The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) and Fifa have been accused of “going silent” over allegations that female referees were sexually harassed by Zifa officials.

The allegations – made against Zifa’s referees committee secretary general, Obert Zhoya, and its chairman, Bryton Malandule – were first reported by local media in September 2020 before two of the alleged victims, both referees, officially registered their complaints with the Zifa board.

The allegations were also sent to Fifa, the global game’s governing body, the Confederation of African Football (Caf), and the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa).

It was not until the alleged victims reported the claims to police, in December 2021, that a formal investigation was launched.

One of the alleged victims, who did not want to be named, told the Guardian that she had not officiated since making the complaints and felt “emotionally drained” by the whole experience.

“Zifa is a huge disappointment,” she said.

“I’ve told myself I can never rely on them.

“I had high hopes that Fifa would intervene and fight to defend us female referees but they let me down as well.

“My question is why would Fifa go silent?

“I’m not saying they have to rush and make my case a first priority but at least show me that you’re keen to assist me.”

One alleged victim said she had been “humiliated, intimidated and degraded” by Zhoya, claiming she had received a series of WhatsApp messages from him asking for her to spend the night with him in a hotel.

“I would like to put on record that he had been making these unwelcome sexual advances since September 2019,” she wrote in a letter to Zifa.

“The allegations I make herein are backed by evidence in the form of phone call voice recordings. I then got the courage from the evidence I had, and learning that I’m not the only one [who] was subject to this harassment.

“I have been on the Zifa [referees] panel since 2019, I’m 30 years old.

“I expected to be treated with respect, not like a lady of the night.

“I however request you to look into the matter and possibly address the issue and in the process protect me and my fellow female referees, who are suffering silently.”

Another official accused Malandule, who is also a member of the Zifa board, of making “sexual advances” towards her in March 2019.

Contacted by the Guardian, Malandule said: “I am sure that you appreciate that when issues are before judicial bodies, one cannot comment as per the sub judice rule.”

Zhoya had not responded to the Guardian’s request for comment at the time of publication.

Another experienced referee claimed she has been “frozen out” of officiating at matches for offering support to alleged victims.

She claimed several more officials are too afraid to report abuse claims because of the way the cases have been handled.

She said: “These reports were made immediately when the stories came out and we have gone more than a year without anything being done or any feedback.

“I think Fifa should have kept in touch with the victims to reassure them that they are still working on it.

“By going quiet, it seems like it is a minor issue. The girls feel very, very bitter about their experiences.”

In November, the entire Zifa board was suspended by the Zimbabwe government’s sports and recreation commission (SRC) over “several incidents of gross incompetence” that the SRC described as “contrary to the national interest”.

As well as alleged mismanagement and lack of accountability in the use of public funds, it cited the allegations of sexual harassment of female referees.

Fifa disapproves of governmental interference in the running of member associations.

It warned Zimbabwe that it could be banned from the African Cup of Nations unless the elected FA was restored by 3 January 2022 – a threat that failed to materialise.

“There are clear rules in the Fifa statutes that prohibit any undue third-party interference in the affairs of any Fifa member association,” a Fifa spokesperson said.

In December 2021 Joyce Cook, Fifa’s chief social responsibility and education officer, said Fifa had referred the sexual harassment allegations to Caf for three months because it “did not have the competence to investigate and judge such conducts”.

A Fifa spokesperson told the Guardian: “The Fifa ethics committee is aware of the allegations and a process is ongoing in accordance with the rules of competence set out in article 30 of the code of ethics.

“Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage.”

A Caf spokesperson said: “Caf is aware of the matter.

“We have been in touch with the relevant authorities in the country because it is now a matter being handled by the relevant competent authorities in that country.

“There is nothing further Caf would say at this stage.”

A global investigative network intended to tackle sexual abuse across all sports is due to be established by Fifa and a United Nations agency this year in the wake of the scandals in Afghanistan and Haiti revealed by the Guardian. – The Guardian

Slider

Binga Kasambabezi marathon set to promote local tourism and community engagement

Published

5 days ago

September 4, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The inaugural Binga Kasambabezi Marathon is poised to become a flagship event in Binga, promoting local tourism and community engagement.

Recent Ncube, Local Organizing Chair for the marathon, shared the inspiration behind the event and its potential impact on the local community.

“As a preparatory marathon for the Vic Falls event, 10 wellness athletes who used to jog in the morning decided to craft the Binga Kasambabezi Marathon,” Ncube explained.

Event Details
– Route and Distance: “The marathon starts at the Binga Freedom Square and the same venue acts as the finishing line,” Ncube stated.
– Participant Numbers*: The organizers expect around 1500 participants.
– Support Systems: “We have five hydration stations manned by AFC, Netone, Kmtc and others,” Ncube revealed.

Cultural Significance and Community Engagement
The marathon will be accompanied by a cultural festival, featuring traditional events. “On the 26th of September we have a full dish of cultural events such as Chilimba, Ngoma also displays by herbalist, curvers, weavers and traditional games by schools,” Ncube added.

Future Plans
This year’s event marks the 8th edition of the marathon, and the organizers plan to continue hosting it annually. “We will continue to assert Binga district as the place to be yearly,” Ncube emphasized.

The Calenders

Slider

Parliamentary caucus calls for Unemployment Benefit Scheme for young athletes

Published

3 weeks ago

August 21, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

In a session of the Zimbabwean Parliament on Tuesday, Stanley Sakupwanya, Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on Youth Affairs, urged the government to implement an Unemployment Benefit Scheme specifically for former athletes who represented Zimbabwe on the global stage.

His address highlighted the challenges faced by young sportspeople who forgo education and career opportunities to pursue their athletic dreams, only to find themselves without support once their sporting careers conclude.

Sakupwanya began his remarks by celebrating the recent certification of the National Sports Stadium by the Confederation of African Football, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing the sports sector. However, he expressed concern about the broader needs of young people participating in various sports, noting the lack of adequate support and resources.

“While we commend the initiatives focused on football, it’s critical to remember that our youth engage in many disciplines,” Sakupwanya said.

He pointed out that athletes often sacrifice their education and well-being at an early age, with a 29-year-old athlete facing retirement instead of the traditional educational opportunities available to their peers.

He painted a vivid picture of the struggles faced by these young athletes, stating, “When they shine on international platforms, they return home only to encounter a void. Their accolades fail to translate into sustainable opportunities or support.”

Sakupwanya emphasized that without a structured program like the Unemployment Benefit Scheme, these individuals risk falling into poverty or becoming susceptible to drug abuse due to inactivity and economic hardship.

His proposal called for the Ministry of Finance to prioritize an Unemployment Benefit Scheme in the upcoming 2026 Budget Strategy Paper, which would serve as a critical safety net for athletes transitioning to civilian life, enabling them to rebuild and reintegrate into society successfully.

In a supportive response, David Mnangagwa, the deputy Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion, acknowledged the validity of the call for such a scheme. He expressed his commitment to advancing discussions on employment benefits tailored towards youth development and sports, indicating the government’s readiness to explore solutions that uplift young athletes.

Slider

Rest In peace ‘Fire’: Tendai Ndoro passes away

Published

3 weeks ago

August 18, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY SOCCER LADUMA

The football fraternity is mourning the sad passing of former Orlando Pirates and Zimbabwe international striker Tendai Ndoro, who has died after a long battle with illness.

Ndoro, affectionately known as ‘Fire’ during his playing days, lit up stadiums across South Africa and beyond with his clinical finishing and charismatic presence on the field. He was 40 years old.

“Yes, unfortunately he was found dead in his apartment here in South Africa. I am still in communication with someone close to his family,” confirmed a close source.

A prolific career across Africa and abroad

Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Ndoro rose to prominence with Chicken Inn in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League, where his eye for goal earned him widespread recognition. His exploits soon took him to Mzansi, joining Mpumalanga Black Aces before sealing a move to Orlando Pirates in 2015.

At Pirates, Ndoro became a fan favourite, delivering memorable performances in the famous black and white jersey. During his time at the Buccaneers, he scored some crucial goals, including some memorable ones, that cemented his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in the PSL.

Following his successful spell in Soweto, Ndoro’s career saw him venture abroad with Saudi Arabian side Al-Faisaly, before returning to Mzansi with Ajax Cape Town and Highlands Park.

On the international stage, Ndoro represented Zimbabwe’s Warriors, earning caps between 2013 and 2017, including an appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Health battles in later years

After hanging up his boots, Ndoro’s health became a major concern. In recent years, he suffered serious complications, including reported temporary blindness and a sharp decline in his physical condition, which worried the football community. Despite undergoing treatment and even speaking positively about recovery following surgery earlier this year, Ndoro’s battle sadly came to an end.

Remembering Fire

Tributes have already begun pouring in from former teammates, clubs, and fans who remember Ndoro not only for his goals but also for the passion and flair he brought to the game.

Ndoro’s story is one of immense talent, resilience, and a career that inspired many young footballers in Zimbabwe and South Africa. He will be remembered as a striker who, at his peak, could change a game in an instant.

May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the legacy he leaves behind.