Can soccer icons save Zimbabwe’s beautiful game?

THE beautiful game of football has long been a cherished part of Zimbabwean culture. Yet, despite the nation’s ardent passion, Zimbabwean football has faced significant challenges in recent years. From poor governance to a lack of investment, the sport has struggled to reach its full potential. As the football community seeks solutions, a crucial question arises: Can former players provide the key to unlocking Zimbabwe’s footballing future?

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of former footballers taking up leadership roles in the sport. From Samuel Eto’o in Cameroon to Kalusha Bwalya in Zambia, several African countries have turned to their football legends to steer their ships.

However, it hasn’t been without drama. Eto’o enjoyed a glittering playing career both in Europe and with Cameroon but has provoked controversy since being elected president of FeCafoot in 2021.

Last year, a group representing amateur clubs in Cameroon called on him to resign, citing “grave irregularities” at FeCafoot, while Eto’o was described as a “dictator” by one former international team-mate because of the way he has steered the organisation. Eto’o was involved in a long-running dispute with the nation’s Ministry of Sport over the appointment of Marc Brys as coach of the Indomitable Lions earlier this year before eventually accepting the Belgian’s appointment.

Two years ago, Fifa banned Confederation of African Football (Caf) executive committee member and Zambia great Kalusha Bwalya from all football-related activities for two years. A brief statement on Fifa’s website noted that an investigation into Bwalya, opened on 28 February 2017, had found him guilty of violating articles 16 and 20 of the Fifa Code of Ethics.

There is evident discontent in the football community over the way the game has been run over the years in all other structures, which ultimately elect the national leadership. Some are of the opinion that former players can be football saviours, based on their undoubted knowledge of the game, especially since the player is the main character in the sport. They argue that their input would be invaluable and far better than someone who has never worn a football kit.

Several former players have served on the Zifa executive committee before, such as Bennedict Moyo, the late Edzai Kasinauyo, and John Phiri, while Methembe Ndlovu and Faroah Jele have served in the Zifa Assembly. Some former players have also been at the helm of football clubs, such as George Shaya (Dynamos chairman), Jerry Sibanda (Bulawayo City chairman), and Ernest Maphepha Sibanda (Highlanders).

With the Zifa elections impending, a number of former players are vying for positions in the next executive. The names of the candidates who will pass through the vetting process will be made public on 15 January, the same day the names of delegates attending the elective congress on 25 January will be confirmed. However, several ex-players are believed to have entered the race.

Former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari has put his name forward for the presidency, alongside Makwinji Soma Phiri, while James Takavada wants to be vice-president. Harlington Shereni and Alois Bunjira are said to have put their names forward for positions on the Zifa board.

Do former footballers possess the necessary skills and expertise to run the country’s football successfully? Saturday Chronicle spoke to some football fans and gathered their thoughts on the right people to lead the sport.

Blessing “Mr Bones” Marangwanda said: “When considering who can lead Zifa better, the debate often centres on whether a former player or a businessman is better suited for the role. However, I firmly believe that a combination of both is necessary to bring about the much-needed transformation at Zifa.

“A former player as Chairperson would bring a deep understanding of the game, while a businessman as CEO would provide financial expertise and acumen.

“By combining their strengths, Zifa can benefit from a comprehensive approach to leadership.”
Renowned football supporter Trust Jim said: “I think a businessman can lead Zifa because of their financial muscle. Former players don’t have the necessary administrative skills, so I would go for Themba Mliswa to lead.”

Pysie Musarurwa also weighed in on the matter. “The current challenges facing Zifa require a leader with a unique set of skills and experience. A businessman brings several key benefits, including established relationships with potential sponsors, experience in managing finances, and the ability to develop a clear vision and strategy.

“I strongly believe that a businessman with a proven track record of success would be the ideal candidate to lead Zifa,” said Musarurwa.

Devine Mulenga said: “What we need is a combination of both. I prefer to have a former player as the chairman and a businessman as the CEO. If the CEO is up to the task, the organisation runs smoothly.”