Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
EX-HIGHLANDERS player and coach Cosmas “Tsano” Zulu has come in full support of legendary Warriors winger Madinda Ndlovu who has called for meritocracy to return to national team selection.
Madinda made the call at the weekend in Sakhelene Nxumalo’s podcast. The former Bosso and Zimbabwe winger says even at club level professionalism is no longer the cornerstone.
“Madinda is telling the truth, I recently saw a game when the Warriors played against India, it was so sad, no quality at all. Where does the coach see players playing in countries like Scotland or United Kingdom. Who gives him information? Are they coaches? Pick the stars on form, not courtesy of an agent or a relative of a player. There should be no third party influence,” charged Zulu.
Ndlovu believes Zimbabwe possesses enough quality to compete with the continent’s best, but only if every player understands that wearing the national jersey is a privilege that must be earned through performance, professionalism and unwavering commitment.
His comments are likely to resonate with many football followers who have long argued that a transparent, merit-based selection system is essential if the Warriors are to reclaim their status among Africa’s leading football nations.
For Ndlovu and Zulu restoring accountability and rewarding excellence remain the cornerstones of building a competitive national team capable of inspiring the nation once again.
Speaking during a podcast interview with Diasbhora, the former Warriors winger and coach said Zimbabwe is blessed with gifted footballers, but warned that the country’s ambitions would only be realised if the right selection principles are restored.
“The future is bright if we are going to do the right thing in terms of team selection,” declared Ndlovu.
The outspoken football icon said he believes the standards that once defined Zimbabwean football have gradually been eroded, making it easier for players to break into the national team without consistently proving themselves on the field.
“These days it’s easy for you to play in the national team. It’s all about who you know. It’s not a secret. Years back, national team call-ups were earned through pure talent and merit. Even at club level, we selected players on merit,” he said.
Ndlovu, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career before venturing into coaching, stressed that discipline was just as important as ability. He recalled the strict standards he maintained whenever he was in charge of a team.
“I remember when I was still a coach, I used to tell my players that if you were absent from training for two days, you should consider yourself ineligible for selection,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when debate over Warriors selection continues to dominate football conversations, with supporters regularly questioning the criteria used in choosing players for national duty.
He was part of the national team set up from 1981 to 1993 and is among the most capped Zimbabwe number 7s. — FungaiMuderere
