soccer extravaganza as the event comes to Africa for the first time in 2010.
CAJ News is in possession of a document showing that the acting chief executive officer at the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), Henrietta Rushwaya diverted the FIFA grant which had been set for stadium upliftment in Victoria Falls and instead took it to Masvingo, where she is campaigning for political office.
Rushwaya, a trained intelligence operative, has stated her desire to contest on the ruling Zanu (PF) ticket at next year’s general elections in Masvingo.
The document shows that Rushwaya overrode a FIFA directive to have Chinotimba Stadium in Victoria Falls upgraded for use in the preparations for World Cup and instead channeled the grant for the renovation as well as installation of artificial turf at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.
ZIFA board members speaking on condition of anonymity accused Rushwaya of using her Zanu (PF) influence to override the FIFA decision and use the grant for her personal political objectives.
In the document FIFA wrote to ZIFA saying: “We have identified the Victoria Falls, which is a tourist resort, has an international airport as well as world-class standards. We are therefore sending a grant for the upgrading of Chinotimba Stadium as well as putting an artificial turf.”
Rushwaya this week confirmed having taken the project to Masvingo but denied any politics of abuse.
“We decided to take it to Mucheke Stadium and that was done purely on professional basis. There wasn’t any politics or abuse, that’s all I can say,” she said.
Rushwaya is already a member of the Zanu (PF) youth leadership in Masvingo, holding the position of publicity secretary.
FIFA availed a grant of US$5,8 for the renovation of the National Sports Stadium as well as other stadiums ahead of the soccer showcase.
Zimbabwe hopes to benefit from South Africa’s hosting of the World Cup finals in 2010.
However, corruption in the forms of nepotism, flouting of tender regulations as well as looting of funds have already started dominating the country’s preparations for the soccer showcase- CAJ News.