By Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has established a commission of inquiry to investigate Gweru-based Sheasham FC’s brief withdrawal from the Central Region Soccer League (CRSL), a move that sent ripples through the league and coincides with a heated battle for promotion to the Premier Soccer League.
Sheasham FC had pulled out of the league citing concerns over fairness, poor officiating, and an uneven playing field, but rescinded the decision less than a week later, returning to the competition.
In response, ZIFA moved swiftly, announcing the formation of a four-member Commission of Inquiry tasked with ‘establishing facts, assessing procedural compliance, and recommending measures to strengthen fairness, integrity, and transparency within league management.
In a press release dated October 17, the panel is chaired by legal and governance expert Ringisai Kudzanai Hillario Mapondera, and includes Jabulani Mpofu, Athletic Director at Lupane State University, Morelet S. Mathema, who is Vice President (Technical & Development) of the Zimbabwe Volleyball Association; and former referee Andrew Pamire.
The Commission’s mandate, as outlined by ZIFA, is to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sheasham FC’s withdrawal from the CRSL, determine whether the club exhausted all internal remedies under ZIFA statutes and league regulations, assess the league’s response to complaints, and submit a written report of findings and recommendations within seven working days.
The inquiry comes at a crucial stage of the season, as Sheasham FC battles Kwekwe-based Hardrock FC in a thrilling promotion race, with just one point separating the two sides.
“This is a corrective and reformative measure, aimed at restoring trust, integrity, and accountability in football administration. All stakeholders are expected to cooperate fully,” reads part of the press release.
With both the club and ZIFA under close scrutiny, fans are eagerly watching the developments as the promotion race reaches a dramatic climax.
