Dynamos star turns to gambling for survival

By Brian Chifamba

Ex-Dynamos star Guthrie Zhokinyi has turned to gambling as a means of survival more than two years after being slapped with a life ban for alleged involvement in the infamous Asia-gate scandal. Zhokinyi who relied on his footballing career as a source of income found himself with no profession after the Zimbabwe Football Association handed the former warriors defender with a life ban that prevents him from taking part in any football activity.

With his career cut short after failing to raise 6,000 Us dollars which was required for him to have his case heard, Zhokinyi has had to rely on gambling as source of income. Zhokinyi a regular at a soccer shop located at corner Fifth street and Samora Machel is without doubt among the sad stories to have been affected by the Asiagate scandal.

The former Dynamos defender has constantly challenged his ban especially after not been given a fair trial due to his inability to raise 6,000 US dollars demanded by the Zimbabwe Football Association to have his case heard. The bans handed out by Zifa have only had an effect on players and officials involved in local football activity, while players plying their trade abroad have not been affected as FIFA has not endorsed the bans as worldwide bans.

Zhokinyi’s troubles emanate from his involvement in the 2009 Cecafa tournament staged by Kenya. The former Warriors defender was allegedly approached by certain men who ordered him to ensure Zimbabwe lost 6 nil to Rwanda in a quarter final match in return for money. Zhokinyi denies having accepted the offer.