News / National
Willard Katsande Under-18 tournament face criticism over financial mismanagement
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The organisers of the Willard Katsande Under-18 Tournament are facing severe backlash after failing to meet their financial obligations during the 2024 edition of the event, raising serious concerns about their financial management and accountability.
Despite the Mutare Boys' High School providing both accommodation and grounds for the tournament, the organisers did not pay the school a single cent for the two nights' accommodation for the 10 participating teams. The failure to pay for the venue, which included the use of sports facilities, has sparked outrage, particularly given the significant support that was expected from the organisers.
In a further troubling development, the organisers failed to provide basic necessities, including meals, for the 22 participating teams. This oversight was especially damaging for teams that had travelled from distant locations, such as Victoria Falls, who were left without food or accommodation support. The lack of logistical support placed a significant burden on the players, coaches, and staff, calling into question the organisers' priorities and ability to run a responsible event.
Ruramai Nyakonga, a well-wisher, stepped in to pay for the other match venue at Chisamba Sports Field in Sakubva, where the remaining teams competed, after the organisers failed to cover the costs.
The situation escalated when the referees, who were not paid for their services, staged a boycott of the final match. The Golden Stars team from Victoria Falls had to step in and settle the referees' bills to ensure the final match could go ahead. This marked a low point for the organisers, who failed to show the required responsibility for running the tournament and meeting their financial commitments.
The organisers' disappearance after the final whistle further emphasized their lack of accountability. It became clear that they were only interested in hosting the tournament for personal gain, unwilling to face the consequences of their mismanagement. This move undermined the credibility of the tournament, which had already been marred by the non-payment of dues to both the schools and the referees.
The teams, which were charged an affiliation fee of US$53 each, were left frustrated by the organisers' actions. Gift Mapinda, chairperson of the organising committee, admitted that "all was not well" in the administration of the tournament. In a candid statement, Mapinda acknowledged the issues surrounding the event's organisation and promised improvements for future editions.
"Yes, every dark cloud has a silver lining. May all the pitfalls be a learning curve. We accept responsibility as a committee if ever there are areas we erred. I certainly hope the next tournament will have organisers who will make amends on the pitfalls and improve the quality," Mapinda said.
The involvement of Willard Katsande, the former national football team captain and brand owner, has also come under scrutiny. Despite being the namesake of the tournament, Katsande's financial involvement in the event has not been clarified, leading to speculation about the handling of funds. Katsande was unavailable for comment, leaving doubts about his role and financial contribution to the tournament.
An unnamed organiser revealed to Post Sport that the affiliation fees paid by the clubs were handed over to Katsande's wife. However, this claim has not been verified.
Despite the financial challenges, Mapinda expressed his gratitude to the local community for their support and emphasized the tournament's successful conclusion.
"Thank you Mutare football family for making the tournament a success. To the organising committee, I commend you for your dedication and selflessness. My sincere apologies to the referees and the community at large for the administrative hiccups. I am glad it was sorted out," Mapinda said.
Mapinda called for unity and cooperation within the Mutare football community, urging all involved to embrace each other and work towards a common goal in future tournaments.
"As a parting shot, may we all embrace one another and find a common ground. If ever we have differences, let us have a spirit of forgiveness and oneness. Let football unite us," Mapinda added.
The Willard Katsande Under-18 Tournament now faces criticism for its lack of organisation, financial mismanagement, and disregard for participants. The organisers would do well to take inspiration from other well-organised junior football competitions, such as the Mai Hondo Tournament, where no affiliation fees are charged, and all participants receive full support throughout the event.
Despite the Mutare Boys' High School providing both accommodation and grounds for the tournament, the organisers did not pay the school a single cent for the two nights' accommodation for the 10 participating teams. The failure to pay for the venue, which included the use of sports facilities, has sparked outrage, particularly given the significant support that was expected from the organisers.
In a further troubling development, the organisers failed to provide basic necessities, including meals, for the 22 participating teams. This oversight was especially damaging for teams that had travelled from distant locations, such as Victoria Falls, who were left without food or accommodation support. The lack of logistical support placed a significant burden on the players, coaches, and staff, calling into question the organisers' priorities and ability to run a responsible event.
Ruramai Nyakonga, a well-wisher, stepped in to pay for the other match venue at Chisamba Sports Field in Sakubva, where the remaining teams competed, after the organisers failed to cover the costs.
The situation escalated when the referees, who were not paid for their services, staged a boycott of the final match. The Golden Stars team from Victoria Falls had to step in and settle the referees' bills to ensure the final match could go ahead. This marked a low point for the organisers, who failed to show the required responsibility for running the tournament and meeting their financial commitments.
The organisers' disappearance after the final whistle further emphasized their lack of accountability. It became clear that they were only interested in hosting the tournament for personal gain, unwilling to face the consequences of their mismanagement. This move undermined the credibility of the tournament, which had already been marred by the non-payment of dues to both the schools and the referees.
The teams, which were charged an affiliation fee of US$53 each, were left frustrated by the organisers' actions. Gift Mapinda, chairperson of the organising committee, admitted that "all was not well" in the administration of the tournament. In a candid statement, Mapinda acknowledged the issues surrounding the event's organisation and promised improvements for future editions.
The involvement of Willard Katsande, the former national football team captain and brand owner, has also come under scrutiny. Despite being the namesake of the tournament, Katsande's financial involvement in the event has not been clarified, leading to speculation about the handling of funds. Katsande was unavailable for comment, leaving doubts about his role and financial contribution to the tournament.
An unnamed organiser revealed to Post Sport that the affiliation fees paid by the clubs were handed over to Katsande's wife. However, this claim has not been verified.
Despite the financial challenges, Mapinda expressed his gratitude to the local community for their support and emphasized the tournament's successful conclusion.
"Thank you Mutare football family for making the tournament a success. To the organising committee, I commend you for your dedication and selflessness. My sincere apologies to the referees and the community at large for the administrative hiccups. I am glad it was sorted out," Mapinda said.
Mapinda called for unity and cooperation within the Mutare football community, urging all involved to embrace each other and work towards a common goal in future tournaments.
"As a parting shot, may we all embrace one another and find a common ground. If ever we have differences, let us have a spirit of forgiveness and oneness. Let football unite us," Mapinda added.
The Willard Katsande Under-18 Tournament now faces criticism for its lack of organisation, financial mismanagement, and disregard for participants. The organisers would do well to take inspiration from other well-organised junior football competitions, such as the Mai Hondo Tournament, where no affiliation fees are charged, and all participants receive full support throughout the event.
Source - The ManicaPost
