Women’s national team coach under investigation for sexual harassment

A senior women’s national team coach is under investigation for sexual harassment after being reported by a female subordinate.

The allegations include unwanted touching, inappropriate comments, and sexual advances at the ongoing COSAFA Women’s Championship in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Zimbabwe Football Association [Zifa] and COSAFA are investigating the matter. The chairperson of the Zifa normalisation committee, Lloyd Mutasa, made assurances that the association was taking the matter seriously.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association has received a report of misconduct amongst members of the Senior Women’s technical team.

“The team travelled with a qualified Safeguarding Officer on the ground attending to the matter. The association is taking the matter seriously and is currently carrying out independent investigations to get to the bottom of the allegations.”

PUNISHED ACCORDINGLY

The association “condemns all forms of misconduct and will ensure that anyone found guilty will be punished accordingly”. FARPost has established that the female member raised a complaint against a fellow male technical member who allegedly first asked to kiss her before departure for South Africa.

After arrival, the perpetrator also allegedly patted her buttocks after calling her into his room to collect money to buy team equipment. The allegations against the coach have sparked outrage and calls for action from the team’s camp.

“I’m disgusted by the allegations against this coach,” said a member of the Zimbabwe team. “No one should have to endure sexual harassment in the workplace, especially not in women’s sports.

“We need to send a clear message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated,” said another official.

“We need to create a safe and supportive environment for all athletes, regardless of gender.”

ZIFA is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation. The association has also said it will take appropriate disciplinary action if necessary. The allegations against the coach are a reminder of the problem of sexual harassment in sports.

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