'Demons against Prophet Chiza's contribution to football'

PROMINENT Bulawayo "prophet" Blessing Chiza yesterday vowed to continue with his involvement with football, saying Jesus died for everybody.

Chiza made the remarks during a service at his Faith in God (FIG) Eagle Life Assembly church where four members of the Warriors Africa Nations Championship (Chan) team visited the church to thank him for his prayers.

They attributed the team's success at the Chan tournament to his spiritual guidance.

Kuda Mahachi, Peter "Rio" Moyo, Milton Ncube and Munyaradzi Diya presented Chiza with the jerseys they wore during the tournament in South Africa as a sign of appreciation for his support.

Chiza attracted criticism from football fans across the country when he incorrectly predicted that the Zimbabwe national football team would beat Libya and proceed to the final of the African Nations Championships.

Addressing congregants, the flamboyant "prophet" said those who were against his contributions to football were possessed with demons.

"Jesus died for everybody, regardless of their professions and backgrounds. I will not be stopped by anybody from serving God through whatever means he wants me to. Soccer players are humans too and they need deliverance and spiritual guidance like everybody else," said Chiza.

"I cannot believe that people are accusing me of interfering in soccer yet there are so many players that are suffering from injuries and need healing from God."

Speaking to the congregation from Harare through a cellphone that had been put on a speakerphone Masimba Mambare said: "I want to acknowledge that Prophet Chiza is a true man of God. His prayers instilled in us a sense of confidence. Although we did not make it to the finals, his spiritual support made us believe that we could reach greater heights, if we trusted God."

Mahachi, who called the "prophet" his spiritual father, also presented the jersey he was wearing when the Warriors beat Mali during the Chan tournament.

Chiza correctly predicted that the team would beat Mali. Said Mahachi: "Prophet Chiza is my spiritual father. I know that people might want to concentrate on the negative things but he predicted many things about me that came to pass.

"I am one of the players who were in constant communication with him during the tournament. This made me acknowledge the power of God. I thank Prophet Chiza for his guidance"

Peter "Rio" Moyo concurred with the other players saying the presence of God was an important benefit in their careers. "Prophet Chiza told me that I would be selected man of the match after the Mbada Diamonds game last year and it did happen.

"I had some doubts when he told me that I would be the man of the match when we played Burkina Faso because I was not in the line-up. Just before the match I was told to play and the prophesy came true. God is there," said Moyo.