Panjap in a fix

…ZIFA board member in odd PSL Catch-22 situation

Runodada Witness

Zim Now Reporter

The upcoming Premier Soccer League clash between Dynamos FC and Scotland FC has thrown a spotlight on prominent football figure Brighton "PanJap" Ushendibaba, who finds himself in a tricky position. As a key benefactor for Dynamos and a board member at Scotland FC, his dual allegiance is raising questions about a huge potential conflict of interest as the two teams prepare to face off at Rufaro stadium on Saturday.

Ushendibaba, also a ZIFA board member for in charge of infrastructure, is widely credited with helping revive Dynamos' season. Since their 1-0 win against MWOS FC, a victory that many believe marked a turning point, the team has gone on a five-game unbeaten run. Sources close to the club suggest that Panjap’s financial support has played a major role in this turnaround as he has been oiling the winning bonuses and with promises for more if they survive relegation.

"He came in at a critical moment," said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity. "The players were demotivated and the club was in disarray. His support has made a world of difference."

With the crucial Matchday 27 fixture approaching, all eyes are on how Ushendibaba will handle the situation.

His position on the Scotland FC board, coupled with his financial backing of Dynamos, creates a significant ethical dilemma. A football pundit, who also requested anonymity, voiced the concerns of many: "Is he going to release funds for Dynamos, or will he tighten his pocket for Mabviravira to collect maximum points? This is a very murky situation that needs to be clarified by the league and ZIFA."

This isn't Ushendibaba's first time in the spotlight for controversial actions. Last season, while associated with Simba Bhora FC, he garnered attention for making grand promises that were not fully met. He reportedly bought then-captain Walter Musona a Mercedes-Benz and promised other players Toyota Aquas if the team won the league.

Simba Bhora went on to clinch the championship, but according to a former player, the promises were never completely fulfilled.

"The Aquas never materialised," the player said. "We were happy to be champions, but you feel a little let down when promises like that are not fulfilled."

Instead, Ushendibaba jumped ship and dumped Simba Bhora for Scottland and was instrumental in luring coach Tonderai Ndiraya, Walter Musona, Tymon Machope and other players from the league champions to the debutants.

In Ushendibaba’s Catch-22 situation, Dynamos need every point they can get to swim out of relegation while Scottland wat to keep winning in order to capitalize on any Simba Bhora slip up and take over top spot on the log table.

Thus, the spotlight on Saturday will be as much on the on-field action as it will be on one man in the VVIP tribune