shloboe boe
Lovemore Dube, lovemore.dube@chronicle.co.zw
FORMER Zifa president Vincent Pamire and Benjani Mwaruwari, who once captained the Warriors, have expressed their support for Nqobile Magwizi and his executive, wishing them success.
Magwizi was thrust into the Zimbabwe football hot seat on Friday, ending a two-year leadership vacuum when he decisively beat his challengers, including Marshall Gore, Makwinji Soma-Phiri, and Twine Phiri.
Pamire urged all football-loving Zimbabweans to rally behind Magwizi.
“The people have spoken; his victory was convincing and demonstrates that the Assembly, representing all corners, was impressed by his impressive resume. Therefore, he is the people’s favourite, and now all focus must turn to positive energy.
“Let us all embrace him and the presidium of Loveness Mukura and the tried and tested Kennedy Ndebele. They must hit the ground running and revitalise our football structures for the better. For any Zifa board to succeed, there must be unity of purpose across the nation.
“It is an impressive line-up with people from the corporate sector; they will elevate our football and link us with industry. The time for bickering is over; 20 years have been lost to unnecessary ego clashes,” said Pamire.
The former Zimbabwe Saints boss, who was head of Zifa when Zimbabwe qualified for the Afcon finals for the first time in 2003, stated it was time for those who had long held the belief that Zimbabwean football cannot thrive without them to step aside.
“There are those who have been holding Zimbabwean football to ransom, creating the impression that if they are not involved, nothing will move. Please, give Nqobile (Magwizi) space to run Zifa the best way he deems. Stand aside and allow a new era in the game,” said Pamire.
Magwizi takes charge at a time when the nation is desperate to see international football return.
Zimbabwe has been using stadia in Botswana, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia for its club and Warriors assignments, as no stadium in the country meets Caf standards.
Mwaruwari, speaking over the phone from his base in England on Monday morning, congratulated Magwizi and his board.
“Hearty congratulations to Magwizi, Mukura, and Ndebele. It’s refreshing to see new people take up association administration, and I have no doubt they will do well. However, they need all our support, and we are prepared to offer assistance wherever possible. Our football has potential, and it’s time for unity and hard work from all of us,” said Mwaruwari, who was also a presidential candidate.
He expressed no ill feelings, as Magwizi, being a Zimbabwean, shares the same ideals of wanting to elevate Zimbabwean football to the next level.
“The line-up of candidates was incredible, with very good CVs, and he won. Let us all rally behind him and get Zimbabwean football kicking,” said Mwaruwari.
Mwaruwari also spoke about the Warriors’ chances in this year’s Afcon finals, which will be hosted by Morocco in December, finishing in January next year.
He challenged the Warriors to mature and qualify for the knockout stages of the Afcon finals.
Morocco will host the event, which will feature the top 24 countries in Africa.
The Warriors qualified for the December finals after finishing second to Cameroon in Group J.
Mwaruwari stated that the Warriors must rise to the challenge and defeat Egypt, the former champions.
The Warriors were drawn alongside Angola, Egypt, and South Africa.
“If we are to be counted among the best in Africa, we must fight to progress to the later stages of such competitions.
“I challenge the boys to beat Egypt, who are the favourites. Once we beat them, a draw or even outright wins will see us through to the next round, and then we will have arrived at the big stage. From there, it becomes anyone’s game,” said the former Warriors captain.
Mwaruwari was part of the Warriors team, coached by Charles Mhlauri, that was knocked out in the first round in Egypt in 2006.
He noted that there are 11 months until the finals, which provides ample time for preparation.
“We have up to a year to prepare. The coaches can cast their net wide, see teams involved in friendlies and other tournaments, then narrow down selections to the best candidates for Morocco,” said Mwaruwari.
He also mentioned that he was impressed with the emerging young talent both at home and abroad.
“We have good talent coming up, and they need exposure to the national team level. Then the coach can choose those who fit into his football philosophy,” said Mwaruwari, whose Plymouth Argyle reserves have reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
There is the Cosafa Cup and World Cup qualifiers for the Warriors to gel before the Morocco tournament in December.
