Mhofu backs ex-footballers

Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub

LEGENDARY former Zimbabwe captain and coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa says ex-footballers deserve positions in football administration if the game is to return to its former glory.

Chidzambwa, who is among the six former players that have raised up their hands ahead of the upcoming ZIFA elections, told Zimpapers Sports Hub that for long the constituency has been shut out.

However, the upcoming elections have seen an unprecedented number of candidates with Chidzambwa and fellow ex-players Alois Bunjira, Walter Musanhu, Terrence Malunga, Harlington Shereni and James Takavada showing intent to run for positions in the board.

Makwinji Soma-Phiri’s candidature has also been approved for the ZIFA presidency, but Benjani Mwaruwari was disqualified after falling short in the eligibility test.

“I think as former players we deserve to be involved in the running of football,” said Chidzambwa.

“This should be the case anywhere in the world because when you go through the system as a player you get to appreciate better the needs of the game and also get to understand first-hand how certain decisions affect development and success,” said Chidzambwa. 

Ex-footballers have for long been criticised for lacking the initiative when it comes to football administrations. 

“It’s not like former footballers do not want to be involved in administration,” said Chidzambwa. 

“But, in the past the election system was exclusionary. It was designed in a way that kept ex-footballers at bay. We are now beginning to see more and more people getting interested and that should be the case.”

Previously the steep election fees were deemed a major hindrance. ZIFA presidential candidates at the last election held in 2018 forked out US$5 500 election fees, while the vice president contestants had to pay $4 000 and US$3 000 for the position of board member. 

But this time around, there were no election fees as ZIFA hold the ballot in this transition period which follows the lifting of Zimbabwe’s suspension from FIFA membership.

Previously, former players like Nigel Munyati, Methembe Ndlovu, Benedict Moyo and Edzai Kasinauyo were elected into the ZIFA board.

“The advantage with having the involvement of former footballers is that these people have gained practical experience from their playing days and could be very useful when it comes to development.

“Right now, we are lagging behind as a nation in terms of development. In the past, players were developed through vigorous junior development programmes which are no longer there. 

“Scouting is now centred in cities and towns, but there is hidden talent out there in Binga and Chisumbanje which cannot be tapped because of lack of planning.

“So, if we can incorporate the systems that gave birth to players in our generation and the modern knowledge, I think we can be a top football nation again,” said Chidzambwa.

The ZIFA elections will be held on January 25, 2025. The positions to be contested for include the president, two vice-presidents, of which one must be a woman, and six ordinary board members.

ZIFA this week announced six candidates to contest for the presidency, 10 for the association’s vice presidency and 39 for ordinary board members.

Former Zimbabwe international Moses Chunga said the best candidates should be voted into office.

“The incoming ZIFA president should be the one with football at heart. Their blood must be football. They must eat football, drink football and sleep football,” said Chunga.

“They must be very passionate about football. I can’t stress this quality enough. Without passion for the beautiful game, we will not go anywhere.

“The ZIFA president must be a servant of the game. They must serve the game and not their selfish interests. Personally, I wouldn’t want someone who will just come in to boost their CV at the expense of the players, the lovers of the game, and the Zimbabwe brand. 

“They must be committed to the development of the game from the grassroots. 

“hey must make sure that football development is all-inclusive. The girl child must not be left behind. The child from all four corners of the country must not be left behind.”