The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
AS he was speaking – the first time he was doing so publicly since his ouster from the helm of local football seven years ago – one could easily detect some emotions in Cuthbert Dube’s voice.
The former ZIFA president was ousted via a vote of no confidence in October 2015 after five years in office.
And, it was clear from his sentiments that he feels people did not appreciate his contribution to the game.
He still feels ZIFA councillors betrayed him and is also convinced there are vultures in football who are out to amass personal gain at the expense of the beautiful game.
But, Dube, who met incumbent ZIFA president Gift Banda at his residence last week, opines some of the current football leaders are doing a sterling job, and one of them is Martin Kweza, the Northern Region boss who was recently coopted into the ZIFA board.
Kweza, who is credited with transforming the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) into an exciting competition, was part of the delegation that accompanied Banda for the courtesy call on Dube.
Harare City chairperson Alois Masepe and former Highlanders chair Kenneth Mhlope, who were also recently coopted, were present.
“I am glad you have also brought in Kweza here, he is doing very well with the Northern Region,” said Dube.
“You see, the Northern Region is a huge constituency and I am impressed with the way he has led that region,” he said.
NRSL has attracted a lot of attention this season and support from corporates.
It is arguably one of the most followed football leagues in the country.
The league, which is sponsored by Ruyamuro Holdings, now has a top-eight competition, the Axis Solutions Super 8, and a number of individual accolades, including the popular Top Goal Scorer of the Month.
Axis Solutions unveiled a US$20 000 sponsorship deal in October last year and reaffirmed its commitment to local football in April.
Simba Bhora and Golden Eagles will play the final in the last game of the NRSL season later this year.
