By Anesu Chakanetsa
THE direction football is taking, both globally and locally, is clear: money, strategy, and professionalism are defining success. Legacy and nostalgia alone can no longer guarantee results. It’s time for clubs, big and small, to evolve or be left behind. South Africa’s Orlando Pirates breezed into the semi-finals of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League. They stand as one of the few community-based clubs that have awakened from the slumber of football idealism and embraced the stark reality of football capitalism, a trend that has rapidly consumed the global game.
In Zimbabwe, the match at the newly opened Ngoni Stadium between traditional giants Dynamos and the rising force of MWORS FC, nicknamed ‘The Punters’, revealed the widening gap between modern, commercially driven clubs and those still clinging to legacy status. MWORS FC edged out Dynamos 1-0, but the scoreline flattered the so-called big team. Had MWORS been more clinical in front of goal, the result could have been a demolition. Their fluid, attack-minded football overwhelmed Dynamos, who appeared short on ideas and energy. Lloyd Mutasa’s team of relatively unknown but hungry players showed tenacity and tactical discipline that kept them top of the log standings. ‘
The Punters’ have transformed into fearless predators, unbothered by reputations or past glories. So, what’s the secret behind their newfound success? Let’s rewind to 2005. That year, local sportscasters Barry Manandi and Mike Madodha posed a critical question on ZTV’s International Sports Show, “Is football a business or just a game?”, produced by marketing guru Gary Thompson. At the time, CAPS United were on the verge of securing another domestic title.
The following years saw Highlanders and then Dynamos rise, with the latter even reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League. It was a period of f ierce domestic competition and continental flirtation. But Barry and Mike, dubbed the “Siamese twins” of football broadcasting, were on to something. They had identified a shift, the increasing influence of money in football. That same year, Chelsea FC in England, bankrolled by Roman Abramovich’s billions, began their domination of the Premier League. By 2006, Chelsea had already clinched back-to-back titles. Meanwhile, Arsenal, who had gone unbeaten in 2004, claimed the league in 2005 but soon began struggling to keep pace with the financial juggernauts. In Zimbabwe, a similar but less sustainable trend emerged.
Teams like Buymore, Lengthens, Amazulu, and Monomotapa, all funded by businessmen, briefly lit up the league before folding due to poor financial planning or lack of long-term vision. Fast-forward to today, Orlando Pirates have made their way back from the depths of underachievement. What changed? The club, like Manchester United in England or Dynamos in Zimbabwe, recognised the need to modernise. They could no longer sit by as Mamelodi Sundowns dominated South African football. Pirates returned to the drawing board and embraced commercialisation.
Sponsorship, investment, and strategic planning took centre stage. That’s the reality now. It’s the well-sponsored teams that are consistently winning. Manchester City is a perfect example. Since being taken over by a Saudi-backed consortium, the club has become a dominant force, winning four consecutive Premier League titles and clinching their f irst UEFA Champions League trophy within the past four seasons. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have mirrored this trend in France, and so have Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, who have been nearly untouchable domestically. Back in Zimbabwe, Scottland FC, bankrolled by flamboyant businessman Scott Sakupwanya, has turned heads. While some fans and officials from traditional clubs like CAPS United, Dynamos and Highlanders have criticised the club’s spending, the results speak for themselves.
Scottland FC is cruising and remains in the title hunt. The top six teams as it stands — MWORS FC, Simba Bhora, Ngezi Platinum, Scottland FC, TelOne, and Manica Diamonds — all share a common trait: solid financial backing and forward-looking management. These clubs, run by individuals or corporates with a genuine interest in developing Zimbabwean football, are reshaping the competitive landscape. Ironically, the very fans who criticise players for not earning enough are the same ones protesting against teams like Scottland FC that actually pay players well. There’s a sad but simple truth in life: those who hustle harder and earn more tend to attract more, whether it’s results on the pitch or, as the saying goes, “the most beautiful wives”.
The Dynamos faithful were stunned when Khama Billiat, once their dream signing, opted for Yadah and then moved to Scottland FC. But money talks. The same debates are happening in Germany, where Bayern Munich’s dominance has stirred frustration among rival clubs. But instead of protesting, those teams have been challenged to become more creative, both on and off the pitch. Some writers argue that financial muscle is ‘killing football’, but the reality is that it’s a wake-up call. Teams that wish to survive must find sustainable ways to compete, whether through sponsorship, talent development or smart commercial strategies. .Zimbabwe’s top-flight reveals a changing order. The so-called big teams find themselves outside the top teams, their legacy outweighed by modern realities. If this trend continues, traditional giants like CAPS United, currently fighting relegation, could find themselves in Division One sooner rather than later.