Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zifa have condemned Warriors player Tino Kadewere’s behaviour at Orlando Stadium in South Africa yesterday.
Kadewere physically and verbally attacked journalist Yvonne Mangunda, accusing her of targeting him for criticism in the wake of his consistent poor form in national team colors.
The Greece-based footballer turned the national team’s open media training session ahead of Zimbabwe’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda today into a war-zone when he poked Mangunda on her chest.
He was only restrained from further physically attacking the hapless female scribe by some Zifa officials.
However, he had already hurled insults at the journalist, including mocking her physical appearance and threatening to unleash more violence on her.
Kadewere wasn’t part of the training squad as he was sitting on the sidelines, along with Brendon Galloway as they had knocks.
But he never appeared to be in physical pain as he ranted, charged and attacked the journalist, whom he reduced to tears.
Kadewere later issued a half-hearted “apology” as he tried to justify his actions.
Zifa have come out to condemn the former Harare City man’s behaviour, with the association saying they are taking appropriate action.
Gender groupings and journalists’ associations reportedly want Kadewere to be arrested and removed from the national team.
In a statement, Zifa said: “The Zimbabwe Football Association notes with deep regret the incident that occurred at Orlando Stadium during the Warriors’ media open training session, involving national team player Tinotenda Kadewere and journalist Yvonne Mangunda.
“Zifa strongly condemns any form of abuse towards the media. Journalists are a vital part of the game, and we are committed to ensuring they carry out their duties without fear or intimidation.
“The matter is being addressed through the appropriate disciplinary processes by both the team management and the association.”
Online Reporter
Tino is also a human being and has a person in him to protect. It has become fashionable for journalists to tarnish other people’s images behind the guise of doing their own work. Organisations like ZIFA must not be seen to take sides. Media personnel have become irritants. They have messed up their own profession in a bid to compete for readership with tabloids and social media. Tino is a professional football player. We cannot turn a blind eye when he is being abused.