Centralgate Probe: ZIFA Sets Inquiry on Sheasham FC Withdrawal

ZIFA launches a Commission of Inquiry into Sheasham FC’s withdrawal from the Central Region Division One League (image source)

HARARE — The Zimbabwe Football Association has appointed a four-member Commission of Inquiry to probe Sheasham FC’s sudden withdrawal from the Central Region Division One Soccer League and its subsequent reinstatement by the governing body. The move aims to restore confidence in league administration after weeks of turmoil surrounding the Gweru-based club.

The commission will be chaired by legal and governance expert Ringisai Kudzanai Hillario Mapondera, with members drawn from academia, sports administration, and legal practice, including Lupane State University athletics director Jabulani Mpofu and the Zimbabwe Volleyball Association’s vice-president for technical affairs. Its mandate is to establish facts, assess procedural compliance, and recommend measures to strengthen fairness, integrity, and transparency within league management.

Sheasham FC, which shocked fans by pulling out of the competition two weeks ago citing alleged officiating flaws and administrative irregularities, was reinstated by ZIFA following appeals to the Executive Committee on 9 October 2025. The Committee resolved to set up the inquiry after reviewing recommendations from its Legal and Player Status Committee, seeking to prevent similar incidents in future seasons.

“I arrived at the ground to referee reports but no match,” said local sports journalist Tawanda Marapira, who covered Sheasham’s scheduled fixture. “Supporters were stranded, players demoralised. It felt like league rules were simply ignored. We need accountability, not ad-hoc fixes.”

Dr. Robert Ngulube, a sports governance specialist at the University of Zimbabwe, warns that disputes of this nature can erode public trust and sponsorship. “Transparent, timely investigations are crucial,” he said. “ZIFA must demonstrate that its statutes are more than window dressing by enforcing penalties and clarifying appeal mechanisms.”

ZIFA’s press statement confirmed the commission has 30 days to submit its report to the Executive Committee, after which recommended reforms and disciplinary actions will be debated. Proposed changes include stricter deadlines for match officiating reports, enhanced communication channels for clubs, and a detailed appeals protocol. League insiders predict the inquiry could reshape governance across all ZIFA-run competitions.

“If ZIFA implements robust checks and balances, we can attract more corporate partners and elevate the quality of regional leagues,” said Midlands Division One sponsor coordinator, Blessing Chida.

Sheasham FC’s chairman, Edward Nyamande, said the club will fully cooperate with investigators. “Our sole aim is fair play. We trust the commission will address our grievances and set clear guidelines to protect all stakeholders,” he stated.

As Zimbabwe’s lower tiers prepare for the November fixture calendar, attention now turns to ZIFA’s political will to enforce the inquiry’s findings. With public scrutiny at an all-time high, the outcome may determine whether ZIFA can rebuild credibility and safeguard the integrity of grassroots football.