adminA number of retired footballers from South Africa are expected to arrive in Harare tomorrow evening for the match that has been tentatively set for Rufaro. Erick Aisam, the former Dynamos player who is co-coordinating the international masters’ friendly game, said the match is meant to establish a working relationship between the former soccer players and also find ways in which the celebrated players can develop the game.
“We feel that at times we are being neglected as retired footballers yet we can be able to give some positive contributions. There are many times that we find it hard to access the stadiums to watch a local football match because very few people recognise the contributions we made during our heydays.
“This match will also be used to officially launch the Zimbabwe Football Legends Trust,” said Aisam.
Aisam said the ZFLT will seek ways to help former players, especially in times of need. “One of the main thrust of the ZFLT is to help retired players who are being sidelined at times in the football industry,” said Aisam.
To be eligible for membership, Aisam said one should have played football at the highest level for at least 10 years.
“It’s not just every former player who qualifies to be called a Zimbabwe football legend. For now we are looking at people who played at the highest levels during their times for at least 10 years.
“One should have made a mark and left a legacy in football and we hope to fine-tune the membership criteria as time goes on,” said Aisam.
Brenna Msiska, Norman Mapeza, Callisto Pasuwa, Simon Chuma, Gift Muzadzi, Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo, Paul Gundani, Joey Antipas, Stanford “Stix” M’tizwa and Zenzo Moyo are expected to form part of the Zimbabwe team.
“We hope to have fun and the match has no limit on the number of substitutions,” said Aisam.
Former Black Rhinos captain M’tizwa is the interim chairman of the Zimbabwe Football Legends Trust while Enerst Kamba is the deputy.
Carlos Max, Peter Ndlovu, Douglas “British” Mhloyi, Gibson Homela, George Shaya and Aisam also make up the working interim committee.
The South Africans, Aisam said, are also trying to push the same agenda where their retired footballers will be given a role to play.
“If one looks at Europe, there is the Real Madrid Legends who played against Barcelona and this shows that Fifa recognises former footballers.
“We have communicated with Fifa and they advised us to come through the FA, which is Zifa so that we are given due recognition,” Aisam said.
Yesterday Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwasela said they had given their blessings to the masters’ international friendly and is set for Rufaro on Saturday.
“As Zifa we are aware of the proposed international match and should be doing some of the administration for the game,” said Gwasela.
Buti Mathathe, who has been communicating with Aisam over the match, said former Bafana Bafana skipper Lucas Radebe will captain his side which has Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala as head coach while Shakes Mashaba will assist him.
Former Zimbabwe Saints player Gibson Homela will direct the Zimbabweans from the bench for the match that has been pegged at US$3 for the rest of the ground and US$30 for the VIP area.
Provisional South African masters squad
Brian Tlale, Edward Motale, Isaac Shai, Fabian McCathy, Mark Fish, Lucas Radebe (captain), John “Shoes” Moshoue, Helman Mkhalele, Zane Moosa, Jerry Skhosana, Pollen Ndlanya, Tebogo Mokoena, Fani Madida, Clement Mazibuko, Cyril Nzama, Peter Rashama
Online Reporter