In the interests of football in Zimbabwe and as a true, tried and tested patriot, I have decided to resign as ZIFA President. I shall remain President of ZIFA until elections for a new President are held on 5 December 2015.
The reason for allowing for this transitional period is to ensure that they will not be a vacuum that will exacerbate rather than ameliorate the challenges that the association is facing. Unlike what has happened in the past I intend, through this process, to ensure that there will be a proper and responsible hand-over/take-over process.
While I have been a subject of humiliation over the past few years, I will leave office with my head high in view of the Goal Project legacy I have left. It is common cause that I am the only ZIFA President that presided over a FIFA Goal Project and saw it to its completion. A good number of national team assignments would not have been fulfilled without commitment of my personal resources and assets. I am sure that as the new Board is ushered in at the 5th December Elective Extra-ordinary Congress, the full import of my contribution will be realised.
I would like to thank his Excellency, Cde R G Mugabe for supporting soccer in the country as well as Cde Makhosini Hlongwane, the new Minister of Sport and Recreation for his immense contribution to soccer since assuming duty less than a month ago. I would like to put on record that without his assistance, our Mighty Warriors would not have gone to play their away game with Cameroon. I must sincerely appreciate his efforts,
I also want to thank all the other Ministries who played their part behind the scenes. My other appreciations go to my fellow board members, both past and present, for supporting me throughout my tenure, since 2010 notwithstanding the fact that we operated under a very difficult and prohibitive environment.
Our ZIFA committees and honorary members gave the support and advice when I most needed it. I really also want to thank our players and supporters as well as spectators who make our game governable and enjoyable. The coaches, referees, team managers and their assistants, and all the technical teams and match commissioners deserve my gratitude for making football playable in the country and beyond. Our sponsors, big and small, deserve my compliments. The Sports and Recreation Commission has been and continues to support ZIFA in various ways.
Last but not least, I would like to thank my family most sincerely for their solid, unwavering and unconditional support during the turbulent times throughout my tenure of office as ZIFA President.
May the Almighty God give you and your families abundant showers of blessings in all your endeavours, particularly the football endeavour. May you always remember that the fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom.
Dr Cuthbert Dube
