mbulelo smpofu
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Former national team goalkeeper, Gift “Umbro” Muzadzi, has a strong connection with rural areas.
He grew up in Chihota before his family relocated to Chitungwiza, where he later developed into a professional footballer, thanks to the vast football opportunities available in urban centres.
Muzadzi believes rural areas are lagging behind in football development. For this reason, the former Dynamos star keeper is hoping for a new Zifa leadership that prioritises rural football development.
The Zifa Assembly members are set to elect the president, two deputies and six board members on January 25.
“Zifa elections are around the corner, and the football fraternity has been following the build-up with keen interest.
“However, what is important is to have leaders with football at heart. I hope whoever is elected president, along with the board members, will prioritise rural football development.
“They must take it seriously because we have a situation where most people focus on towns and urban areas,” Muzadzi said.
He added: “Boys and girls from rural areas are treated like second-class citizens, yet they are also Zimbabweans who deserve to be treated the same as their urban counterparts.”
Muzadzi played in the Premier Soccer League with Darryn T, Dynamos and Buymore. He also had a stint in Poland and was the Warriors’ first-choice goalkeeper at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
After spending his childhood in Chihota, Muzadzi moved to Chitungwiza, where he benefitted from a strong junior development policy championed by Polish mentor, Wieslaw Grabowski and the late Never Gombera.
“I only got the chance when I went to stay in Chitungwiza, and I am certain I wouldn’t have developed into the player I became had I stayed in the rural areas.
“But it doesn’t mean that talent exists only in Harare, Gweru, Mutare, or Bulawayo—or in urban centres like Mbare, Chitungwiza, Mabvuku, Mufakose and Dangamvura.
“We also need to think about the boys and girls in rural areas. Grassroots development must extend to the rural areas.
“Just as President Mnangagwa always says, development must leave no one and no place behind.
“This mantra must also apply to football development. No one should be left behind when it comes to football.
“There is talent in the rural areas. Some of the boys I have seen could be developed into national team players, but they lack exposure.
“They also dream of playing Premiership football but don’t have the chance because people don’t think about them.”
Muzadzi is now a rural football development ambassador and has been attending football tournaments in rural areas. Last year, he graced tournaments in several places, including Murehwa and Chihota.
“Budding footballers in rural areas also deserve a fair share of opportunities.
“I have been going around rural areas and have seen a lot of talent. I have a strong connection with the rural areas because I spent my childhood there and that’s why I am an ambassador for rural football development.
“I understand the challenges they face in rural areas, and I think we must take rural football development seriously.
“People focus on cities and towns and forget that Zimbabwe is big. There are talented players in farming areas, mining areas and elsewhere.
“Structures must be put in place to ensure everyone has a fair chance.”
Muzadzi says he has been impressed by aspiring board member Brighton “Panjap” Ushendibaba’s vision to transform football in marginalised areas.
“I was impressed by his vision. He is talking about rural football development, and I hope he will be one of the board members.”
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