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Takudzwa Chitsiga-Sports Reporter
FORMER Black Mambas and Dynamos left back Masimba Dinyero has called on ZIFA to involve former players in football administration as they still have a lot to offer to the sport.
Dinyero was part of the crowd that bade farewell to legendary Dynamos player David “Blah Dee” George at Rufaro on Tuesday.
The utility player who is now into coaching said he believes that they have so much to offer to the sport given the opportunity.
The 58-year-old, fondly known as the Member In Charge during his footballing days, continues to actively participate in the capital’s social football scene, regularly playing for his teams, Tendo Electrical and City Social.
During his professional football career, he was known for his exceptional fitness and was often playfully referred to as the player with three hearts. He was crowned Soccer Star of the Year in 1989 while at Black Mambas. “I am at pains when I see our football standards going down every year. As Zimbabwe we were once ranked in the top 50 in the world and top ten in Africa but as of now we are nowhere to be seen.
“There is a lot which need to be done from promoting junior development and junior leagues which are no longer vibrant.
“During our playing days we would have juniors as curtain raisers and they would go on to play in the Premier league a thing which we no longer have these days.
“I think as former players we have a role to play so that our football standards improve,” said Dinyero.
The former Police officer also took a swipe on the lack of proper playing facilities, which he attributed to lack of maintenance on the existing playing fields.
“The levels of professionalism will not improve as long as we do not have adequate playing facilities. There is shortage of stadiums and players can never be associated with their communities as they are playing away from their strongest support bases.
“As a player playing for Dynamos you would be associated with Mbare, which has become a thing of the past and now players are only focusing on capital gains rather than having a team at heart.
“I think if we are involved as former players and help develop upcoming youngsters, our football will benefit and grow,” said Dinyero
Online Reporter