She was the chief organiser of the Benjani Mwaruwari testimonial match and claims to have been the brains behind the game, saying she mooted the idea three years ago.Fans were moved when Rushwaya, clad in a blue suit, led the wives of the visiting African football Stars to the VVIP enclosure created for the event.
Journalist, dignitaries and fans alikewere held captive by the former Iron Lady of Zimbabwean football, battling for an opportunity to chat with her.This was probably Rushwaya’s first appearance at a football match since she was sacked as Chief Executive Officer by ZIFA in October 2010, following allegations of match fixing.
A disgruntled Zifa has asked march organisers of the match to submit a report on the role Rushwaya played. CEO Jonathan Mashingaidze says Benjani was ordered not to include anybody fingered in the Asiagate scandal and vowed that punishment would follow.
Rushwaya was alleged to have been the mastermind of the match fixing scandal in which members of the national team were paid large sums of money to throw away matches in favour of an Asian betting syndicate during their numerous tours to Asia. Sheis alleged to have pocketed over $1 million from the deals.
She had six charges of match fixing dropped against her for lack of evidence on May 24, two days before the day of the Benjani match. With the match fixing allegations out of the way, the focus is now on the former football Iron Lady’s next move. The Benjani match could be the first step towards her return to the limelight.
Post published in: Football