By Rex Mphisa
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority at Beitbridge has held and delayed FIFA supplied equipment that was meant for use at the ongoing Confederation of African Football (CAF) Tournament in Harare.
The equipment included cones, matchballs and other soccer kits meant for the Under 17 Girls soccer tournament that started on December 8 in Harare.
A shipping agent tasked with clearing the equipment said despite a letter from COSAFA, ZIMRA had held on to the goods even after being advised part of the equipment would be re-exported.
A letter from the executive director of COSAFA Sue Destombes appealed to ZIMRA to facilitate the passage of the goods ahead of the tournament.
But instead the goods were held.
“We have been trying to get the goods out but management at ZIMRA are insisting on a whole lot of things. This is despite a letter written to them explaining these goods were a donation and were brought through the Ministry of Sports and Sport Development, ” said the clearing agent.
The letter dated December 4 titled ‘Clarification on the Temporary Importation of COSAFA Equipment for the CAF Gift Tournament in Zimbabwe’ said some of the equipment would be retained by Zimbabwe for soccer development.
“We write on behalf of the Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) This letter serves to formally advise and clarify the nature of the consignment of regarding the upcoming CAF Gift Toumament scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe equipment that will be brought into Zimbabwe for this tournament essential tournament inventory.”
“It is used exclusively for COSAFA-sanctioned events The equipment in question is the sole property of COSAFA and forms part of our across our member associations and is not for commercial hire or sale,” read the letter.
It listed the equipment as “Permanent Import Equipment” which will remain in Zimbabwe after the tournament for the continued development and promotion of football within the country, as per our agreements with the host member association.
Then there was “Temporary Import Equipment” for core operational equipment meaning specific technical apparatus, branding materials for use during the tournament and subsequently returned to COSAFA’s custody.
“This returning equipment is vital for future COSAFA tournaments that will be hosted by any of our other 13 member associations. SAFA, as the custodian of this equipment, assures ZIMRA that all items temporarily orted will be re-exported after the tournament. The equipment is integral for the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) standardisation and successful execution of our tournaments across the Southern African region,” said the letter.
“We kindly request that ZIMRA facilitate the smooth temporary importation and subsequent re-exportation of this consignment under the appropriate customs provisions (e.g. Temporary Importation Permits), recognising its non-commercial regulations and are available to provide any further documentation or assurances organizational nature. We are committed to complying with all Zimbabwean required,” said the letter.
But despite this the consignment was held for days when the tournament was ongoing.
It ends on Thursday December 18.
Efforts to get comment from Zimra were fruitless.