Chingoka’s ZOC post up for grabs

e same meeting it was announced that elections for the post of president, vacant since Paul Chingoka took leave of absence last April, would take place at the general assembly on July 16. The two vice presidents, Brian Warren and Admire Masenda, will assume the duties of acting president on a monthly rotational basis until then. Chingoka, who stepped down as president of Tennis Zimbabwe in 2003 to take up the ZOC post, was suspended from all tennis activities early in 2005 by the Sport and Recreation Commission, together with former TZ treasurer Bash Mohamed, amid allegations of misappropriation of funds. Little progress with the investigations appears to have been made since then. At the time Chingoka told the press he was elated to be at the helm again. “I’m overjoyed by this humbling vote of confidence from the 31 national sport associations. Their support could not have come at a better time. My aim is to prepare thoroughly for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. I will take a brief leave,” said Chingoka soon after his re-election.

Robert Mutsauki, the ZOC chief executive, told delegates at Sunday’s meeting that the purchase of the new house in Belvedere was not only a good investment but also “a legacy of the highest order.” He said he was confident the International Olympic Committee would contribute towards the purchase of the ZOC headquarters. Mutsauki also announced sponsorship deals with Price Waterhouse Coopers and Dairibord Holdings Limited. In addition ZOC has been granted two Charity Casino licences for 2006 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which should garner at least Z$4 billion. – Sports correspondent