mbulelo smpofu
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
MARSHALL Machazani, a former Zimbabwe footballer, has responded to allegations that he falsified information about a trip to Barcelona last year.
The Barcelona Innovation Hub had accused Machazani of misrepresenting his visit to the city, claiming that he had never attended their premises or participated in any of their coaching programmes.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub from Harare, Machazani acknowledged that he had visited Spain for a private vacation, during which he was impressed by the city’s approach to football.
He decided to further his coaching education by enrolling in an online course with the Barcelona Innovation Hub.
“I do acknowledge that I was in Spain for a vacation and it was private. While I was there I liked how they do their things at Barcelona. I then decided to take up a coaching course with their Innovation Hub after the Barcelona tour. The three courses were How to Train, The Basics of our style of Play and What To Train.
“I did these online and attained the certificates between July-December 2023. Everything that was published after my Barcelona trip was just a domino effect,” said Machazani.
A statement from the Barcelona Innovation Hub alleged that Machazani had misrepresented his visit to Barcelona and had never actually participated in any coaching activities with the club.
An investigation by the hub found that Machazani was in Barcelona for just one week in January 2023, on a vacation sponsored by his girlfriend.
The investigation, based on visa application records, sponsor affidavits, and flight itineraries, debunked Machazani’s assertions that he had spent several months in Spain honing his coaching skills at the renowned Barcelona Innovation Hub.
The hub’s findings also revealed that Machazani’s claims of meeting Robert Lewandowski, the Barcelona and Poland striker, were allegedly false.
“We take great pride in our academy’s reputation for excellence, and it’s disappointing to see individuals seeking to exploit that reputation for personal gain,” a statement from the Barcelona Innovation Hub read.
The controversy has sparked a flurry of interest, with several individuals applying for non-existent coaching attachments at the academy.
The Barcelona Innovation Hub has urged Machazani to retract his false statements and apologise for any harm caused to the academy’s reputation.
Despite the controversy, Machazani remains committed to his coaching career and is eager to put the experience behind him.
“I’m just focused on moving forward and continuing to learn and grow as a coach,” said Machazani.
Machazani is a former Dynamos and Highlanders player. – @innocentskizoe
