Zifa to blame for Warriors’ dismal WC performance

THE Zimbabwe national team tumbled again at the hands of the Black Stars of Ghana at National Sports Stadium in Harare on Tuesday.

The Black Stars proved to be serious contenders for the sole ticket to the next stage of the 2022 Qatar World Cup soccer jamboree. Buoyed by Arsenal star and captain Thomas Partey, the Ghanaians displayed quality football and depth.

Watching the Warriors succumb to the Black Stars was like watching a sheep being led to the slaughterhouse.

Our dream to make a maiden World Cup appearance has been shattered. Our players were not showing any signs of seriousness throughout the match.

This was the worst ever performance Zimbabweans have witnessed at the National Sports Stadium. It is time coach Norman Mapeza rested players such as Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat.

However, the problem lies with our government which is not sponsoring football. Players need to be motivated for them to be able to produce results. Where did Zifa put the COVID-19 Fifa grant? For the last two matches, government failed to give incentives to motivate players. That is why we saw this dismal performance by the Warriors. Zifa, on the other hand, should also shoulder the blame for the rot in our football.

Zifa should reorganise grassroot soccer structures. This is where national team coaches pick their men. We cannot blame coaches when there is no talent at their disposal.

Most of the sporting facilities in high-density suburbs have been turned into flea markets, car parks or residential stands.

Zimbabwe has a lot of untapped talent, but it is going down the drain because of poor organisation on the part of government.

It is critical that we start developing talent at grassroot level. Policy on junior football development must be enforced at primary and secondary school levels.

Every Premier Soccer League team must have a vibrant junior policy. We need more soccer academies not churches and beerhalls. Our domestic football league is in shambles. A vigorous talent search is required. Sport is serious business and needs investment.

I would like to challenge the Sports ministry to come up with a sports development plan.