adminAlbert Marufu in LONDON, England
A STORM is brewing over the selection of Team Zimbabwe-UK development football side that is set to tour Zimbabwe, with some sections feeling the squad is not a true reflection of the talent in the Diaspora.
The UK-based development side is scheduled to play three games during a tour running from May 1-13, where they also hope to play Tonderai Ndiraya’s Zimbabwe Under-23 side.
The team’s coach, Trevor Mazhande, said the invitation is open to any Zimbabwean in the Diaspora who wants to showcase his talent back home.
“The invitation was extended to every Zimbabwean,’’ said Mazhande, a UEFA B coaching licence holder.
“Of course, we would have wanted to go with players of the calibre of that boy who plays for Arsenal (Reiss Nelson), but we can only work with the players who have responded to the call.
“Obviously, the trip is not fully funded and this may have affected some of the players.
“We all have to pay for our air tickets. Generally, I think this is a very good side. I personally think this is a good squad.
“Most of the players have the potential to play at a higher level.
“Some of the things being said are a bit personal. I don’t remember telling anyone that I am into football on a full-time basis. I have nothing to hide. What would I benefit by lying that I coach at West Bromwich Albion?
“I joined the club in 2013 after I did my UEFA B licence with the club. Since then, I have been working with their Under-10 to Under-15 age-groups. If I am not in their structures, why would they pay me?”
However, another England-based Zimbabwean coach Phillip Zulu, described Team Zimbabwe’s initiative as great on the promotion of tourism and culture, but not for helping professional football.
“I am not trying to fight these guys. I have so much respect for coach Trevor (Mazhande), but have to defend football,’’ he said.
“My honest opinion is that this tour being organised by Team Zimbabwe has nothing to do with professional football. The players that they picked do not reflect the talent levels in the Diaspora.
“We have brilliant players in the Diaspora such as Tinashe Chakwana, Terry Mupariwa (both at Burnley FC), Tawanda Mutoti.
“Luther Munakandafa (Nottingham Forest FC), Bernard Makwedza (Rotherham United FC Youth), Douglas Nyaupembe (Bury FC), Emmanuel Machaya (Bury Town FC), Jimiel Chikukwa, Ethan Kachosa (both at Leeds United FC) and Phillip Mundenda (Hull City FC Academy).
“Michael Ndiweni (Newcastle United FC Academy) and Tavonga Khuleya (York City FC Academy).
“We hope that Tonderai Ndiraya will have an opportunity to asses these players on the German tour from May 12.’’
The proposed tour of Germany by the Zimbabwe Under-23 team, which is being organised by Hamburg-based GeBe Sports and Education Foundation, runs from May 12 to 26.
Online Reporter