Zifa nullifies reshuffling of the Warriors technical team

The appointments of Bongani Mafu and Tonderai Ndiraya, as the Warriors assistant coaches, were also nullified by the Zifa board at their meeting yesterday.

While there has been whispers that there could be some deep divisions, within a board that did not come into power as a bloc, it was not expected that the drama of yesterday — just a month after they came into power — could explode.

This was the second board meeting which the Zifa board have held after one, which came just five days after they came into power, which some suggest was not held in line with their constitution given due notice had to be sent for such an indaba.

It could not be established last night whether the issue related to Banda's conduct, which led to his suspension, had also been put on the agenda leading to the meeting held in the capital.

While the new Zifa leadership have received a lot of plaudits for the way they have been conducting their business, in the month they have been in power, it's certain that the events of yesterday will cast a shadow on them and possibly lead them on a path back to negativity.

That three of the board members were also against the suspension of their vice-president could also suggest a split in the board. Others, though, will hail it as a demonstration of democracy which is needed for the effective management of the game.

In the past, the Zifa executive committee members have come into power as a bloc — with those who would have won the vote having been running mates — but this changed at the last elections as most of those who won stood on their own. Yesterday marked the first month since the new Zifa board came into power.