Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Warriors captain has called on the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) to take junior national teams more seriously, stressing that they form the foundation of future senior squads.
Mwaruwari expressed concern over the recent chaotic selection process for the national Under-17 team, in which players from across the globe were given less than 48 hours to travel to Harare for trials.
The short notice meant that the process largely favoured players based in the capital, who faced fewer logistical and financial challenges.
“We can do better.
Zifa must honour its pre-election promises to improve professionalism and transparency. So far, we’ve yet to see meaningful change.
A new executive always brings hope for a fresh approach, but that expectation remains unmet,” said Mwaruwari, who rose through the ranks of Bulawayo’s once-thriving junior football development leagues.
He emphasised that the Under-15 and Under-17 age groups are critical pathways to future national teams. Poorly organised or biased selection processes, he warned, risk sidelining genuine talent in favour of those with the means to attend trials.
“Junior national teams are a vital step in building strong senior squads. If we overlook talent at this stage, the Warriors will suffer in the long run,” he said.
Mwaruwari cautioned against treating national team activities as isolated events, advocating instead for structured programmes that are monitored and evaluated over time.
“National team activity must be a well-thought-out process with measurable outcomes that strengthen future squads. From what we’ve seen, players haven’t been given equal opportunity to participate.
There may be better players locally or abroad who couldn’t attend trials due to the timing of the call-up,” he said.
He added that more transparent and inclusive methods are needed to ensure the long-term success of Zimbabwean football.
Speaking on Thursday night, shortly after expressing his frustration on social media, Mwaruwari reiterated his concerns.
“I’ve noted with concern the last-minute trial invite for the Warriors U17s. Being called to Harare on such short notice makes it practically impossible for aspiring players, especially those in the diaspora, to participate,” he wrote on Facebook.
Mwaruwari highlighted the difficulties faced by diaspora-based players, including securing flights, arranging time off school, and covering travel costs. He stressed that the national team belongs to all Zimbabweans and called for a more inclusive and transparent selection process.
“Our national team belongs to every Zimbabwean, and inclusivity must begin at the junior level. The U17 stage is particularly important as it lays the foundation for our footballing future. Without a clear and fair recruitment structure, we risk losing talented players who could one day strengthen the senior national team,” he wrote.
Mwaruwari offered several recommendations to Zifa aimed at improving talent identification and development:
• Establish regional scouting networks both locally and in the diaspora
• Partner with schools, academies, and junior leagues to create a consistent pipeline of talent
• Set up transparent trials and training camps that offer equal opportunity to players from diverse backgrounds
• Invest in qualified youth coaches who can nurture raw talent at this critical stage
He noted that tournaments such as the upcoming Under-17 Cosafa Championships offer a valuable opportunity to assess Zimbabwe’s development structures against regional counterparts.
We don’t need those in the diaspora for football development. Under 15s, 17s and 19s can be identified at schools tournaments that are adequately organised and resourced. The sprouting of football academies all over the show is creating a lot of confusion and potential for corruption and ultimately poor selection. I see where Benjani Mwaruwari is coming from. He is fighting for his opportunities as a football academy owner. Diaspora candidates need not come. They can stay in the diaspora and allow local talent to develop.