via Ex-PM at Warriors game: Zifa warned – NewZimbabwe 24 September 2015
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and the Sports Recreation Commission (SRC) are said to be under fire from government officials for giving VIP status to Morgan Tsvangirai when the national soccer team played against Guinea earlier this month.
ZIFA and SRC officials were ordered to write reports explaining why they allowed the former Prime minster to be part of the VIP group at Rufaro Stadium.
Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition MDC-T party, was accompanied by wife Elizabeth when he watched the game in Mbare.
“The directive came from the President’s office asking us to write detailed reports explaining why Tsvangirai was given that treatment,” an official with the SRC who asked not to be named fearing further victimisation told NewZimbabwe.com on Wednesday.
“They said he (Tsvangirai) was supposed to sit in the terraces because he is now an ordinary man. They said by according him VIP status, we were trying to suggest that he is still relevant.
“We have since submitted the reports and we are waiting to hear from them. But what we know for certain is that they were not happy with the reception the MDC leader got from the football fans when he arrived for the game”.
The entire crowd at Rufaro Stadium cheered when Tsvangirai and his wife arrived for the game.
The national soccer team drew 1-1 with Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier after striker Knowledge Musona cancelled out an Idrissa Sylla strike.
COMMENTS
What is wrong with a former PM getting a VIP reception.Didn’t he work for this country?Didn’t things improve under his guidance?We are even pained that the man is being denied his exit package.That is why zanu will never get us out of the current economic predicament,they spend energy on petty issues like this one.
Some are recognized because they appeal to the people naturally but some want to say recognize me because I am in government.
Why didn’t Mugabe come to the match? He was scared of the people he has made hungry.
If Tsvangirai is that popular — let him go sit with the common people in the stalls. I am sure the powers that be will not like it either. Imagine what would happen if he goes to the commoners stalls. He will be more popular than a VIP. Am I the only one who sees the advantages of what the President’s office is offering. He should try it once.
Who the hell are ZANUPF. Our gods or what! Go to hell ZANU.
I am not an MDC-T supporter, but I recognise Morgan Tsvangirai as our former prime minister who should be accorded the respect that goes with that status. I believe even all former ministers from which ever party are still VIPs because of their previous roles in government. It is stupid to suggest that a former prime minister of our country is not a VIP.
Simple. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. When they get out of power they should sit in the terraces with the ordinary man. That will give the people a chance to get the pound of flesh for gukurahundi, murambatsvina, land chaos and corruption. Unless death comes earlier they will all be former presidents, vice presidents or ministers. This treatment of the ex pm will follow them. Time will tell. See the treatment of Teurai Ropa and think again of the saying that you have to do unto others what you would want them to do to you. We are waiting for the day when they will no longer be in power.