By Lovemore Boora
THE ZIFA Normalisation Committee has been given plaudits for creating an environment conducive for foreign-based soccer players to represent their beloved country on the international stage.
In the past, it was customary for Zimbabwe’s foreign-based players to turn down national team call-ups, preferring to play for their adopted countries, citing poor working conditions.
The previous ZIFA administrators were accused of gross unprofessionalism when it came to handling national team players’ welfare. More often than not, the players never got enough time to gel in the absence of friendly matches, while the payment of match bonuses was a perennial sticking point.
Some seasoned players, like former Warriors captain Knowledge Musona and talisman Khama Billiat were forced to hang their boots prematurely due to the soccer mother body’s lack of professionalism. In some cases, players went to the extent of faking injuries so as to avoid national duty.
On the bright side, Marshall Gore, the Team Zimbabwe UK chief executive, has been working flat out to identify Zimbabwean footballers plying their trade in Europe’s top-flight leagues and assisting them to acquire Zimbabwe passports.
The Team Zimbabwe UK CEO used his Facebook account to thank ZIFA for giving the ‘British Brigade’ a chance to represent Zimbabwe.
“We are thrilled to witness numerous Diaspora players receiving invitations to join the Zimbabwe national team once again. This decision makes football sense taking into consideration that the domestic league season has just begun.
National team selection should prioritise merit over geographical location.
This reflects the progress we have long aimed for — an inclusive team representing Zimbabwe’s global diversity.
We appreciate the technical team for this approach.
We extend our best wishes to the team and coaches in Malawi.
While victory is desirable, this is also an excellent opportunity for coaches to assess all players and
establish their collective strengths. Let’s practise patience and allow the research process to unfold,” wrote Marshall Gore.
On its part, the ZIFA Normalisation Committee, under the chairmanship of former Dynamos’ stalwart Lincoln Mutasa, last year reiterated its commitment to afford every Zimbabwean player an opportunity to represent his country .
Macauley Bonne, who capped his Warriors’ debut with a well-taken goal in the Four Nations Tournament, said he was thrilled to play for his motherland: “I am happy to be back and to score goals.”
Tawanda Masvanhise was also on cloud nine, despite playing for only 12 minutes as a substitute. Posting on his X handle, the Leicester City player said: “Always an honour to represent my country and even happier to make my debut +263 #GodIsGood.”
There is no doubt these Diaspora-based players bring some much-needed European football flavour to the Warriors team.
No wonder, interim coach Norman Mapeza called up eight of them to represent Zimbabwe in the just-concluded Four Nations Tournament held in Malawi. All eight heeded the call — much to the delight of local football fans.
The new-look Warriors played Zambia in the opening match before edging them 6-5 in the penalty shootout after coming back from a 2-0 scoreline. They conceded two goals in the first 20 minutes and when most punters had written them off, the ‘The Dream Team 2’ woke up from their slumber to tuck in two goals via Cambridge United striker Bonne and Walter Musona.
It was Bonne’s 100th career goal and the first on his Warriors’ debut.
In the second match, the Warriors lost 3-1 to Tanzania’s Harambee Stars in controversial fashion after the match officials red-carded coach Norman Mapeza and Teenage Hadebe.
Interestingly, the Norman Mapeza-coached side matched the much fancied and more experienced Avram Grant outfit in almost every department.
The blending of the local and foreign-based players worked wonders and brought back smiles to the success-starved local soccer fans who can be forgiven for believing that ZIFA’s dusty trophy cabinet will soon be bristling with trophies.
The last trophy lifted by Warriors was the COSAFA 2007 Cup.
Posting on their X handle, ZIFA said the Warriors would use the Four Nations Tournament to gauge their strength against former African champions and eight-time COSAFA Cup winners Zambia as well as Kenya’s Harambee Stars, the eventual winners. The Warriors were also on the hunt for the host nation, Malawi’s, scalp.
Go Foreign-based Warriors Go!!