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Skepticism At Reported Bid For Top Zimbabwe Soccer Post By President's Nephew


The chairman of Zimbabwe's parliamentary committee on sports said Monday he does not back a reported bid by Leo Mugabe, nephew of President Robert Mugabe, for the top job at the Zimbabwe Football Association, from which he was fired in 2002.

Member of parliament for Makonde, Mashonaland West, Leo Mugabe was turfed out of the ZIFA chairmanship in December 2002 when the board voted no confidence in his leadership. He was accused of misappropriating more than $61,000 given to the national football authority by the International Federation of Association Football.

The younger Mugabe subsequently vowed never to be involved in soccer again. But in recent days unconfirmed reports have circulated saying he is angling for the top job now that the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa is on the horizon.

Leo Mugabe could not be reached for comment on the reports.

Chairman Fidelis Mhashu of the house committee on sports told reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye that a sitting member of parliament is not barred from taking private employment, but added that Mugabe would do better to serve his constituents in Makonde than to seek a second chance at the ZIFA chairmanship.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...

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