The Sunday Mail
Makomborero Mutimukulu – Sports Editor
FORMER Zimbabwe international defender Guthrie Zhokinyi is free to play football again after Zifa cleared him on Friday of any wrongdoing in the Asiagate scandal.
Zhokinyi (32) became the third personality to be given a new lease of life in recent weeks following the lifting of bans that had been slapped on record-breaking coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa and goalkeeper Edmore “ZiKeeper” Sibanda.
On March 5 this year Zhokinyi, through his lawyer Stephen Zvinavakobvu, took his matter to the High Court under case number hc 2700-15.
In his application, the defender sought “to have the proceedings that were done by the Respondent (Zifa) relating to what is called the Asiagate Match Fixing Scandal and everything that was done pursuant to that declared a nullity . . . ”
Zifa chose not to fight in the courts, but wrote to the player on Friday to announce that he was free to play the beautiful game again.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association hereby clears you to resume your football career pursuant to the Zifa Disciplinary Committee’s prosecution team’s recommendations,” wrote Zifa chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze in the brief response.
Zvinavakobvu, while welcoming the decision to clear his client, hinted at the possibility of Zhokinyi suing Zifa for loss of income during the two years he has been sidelined.
“I am yet to sit down with my client to map the way forward, but legally there is scope for us to sue for loss of income because he was banned at a time when he was at the peak of his game playing for both Dynamos and the national team.
“It is interesting to note that the decision to clear my client came after we challenged his continued ban and not because Zifa had gone through all due processes.
“To us the move taken to clear the player is an acceptance of the flaws in the whole process,” he said.
Zhokinyi, an outspoken player, was fingered as one of the ring leaders in a scam that saw the national team allegedly throwing away matches in return for cash during the unsanctioned trips to Asia.
While others were pardoned or slapped with five year bans, the former Shooting Stars and Dynamos man was banned for life for his alleged role in the match fixing scandal.
In a bid to clear his name, Zhokinyi pulled all the stops and even engaged the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe, who made a video highlighting his case.
In the video, Zhokinyi confirms having been approached to fix a match during one of the tours, but is quick to add that he turned down the offer and alerted team officials.
An emotional Zhokinyi last night spoke of his delight.
“I cannot put it in words, the feeling is just something else,” he said.
“Living a life whereby the soccer governing body of your country says you are a cheat who sold out the nation is hell, one will not appreciate it until they are in the same situation.
“I met people who did not want to engage me in business transactions because to them I was a cheat who could do anything for money . . . it hurt.
“Now I can breathe easily as I ponder on which step to take next.
“Football runs in my veins and I will get back to playing again. I am 32 now and as fit as I am I know that I can play for five or six more seasons at the top level.”
Which team will you join, Dynamos?
“Yes, it would be great to continue from where I left, but that all depends on whether they still need my services. If they do not want me I will find another team, but DeMbare will be the first choice.”
