Shingi Matibiri, Sports Reporter
Former Warriors goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini has become the first high profile player to express displeasure over Zimbabwe’s disqualification from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers by CAF due to government interference in the affairs of the Zimbabwe Football Association.
Kapini said it is disheartening that it is the players that are suffering the brunt of personal fights between administrators.
“SRC and ZIFA you just killed Zimbabwean football, instead of going forward, we are going backwards. Corruption in football, let those who understand football, run football,” Kapini said.
Former Dynamos goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi weighed in saying that there is a need for a complete overhaul at both the SRC and ZIFA so that there is new leadership which is pro sport.
“Both SRC and ZIFA have failed us. There should be an overhaul. We need genuine leaders at the top. We are very unfortunate in this country that the leaders that we have are not pro football,” Mukandi said.
Norman Maroto another former Dynamos player said it is unfortunate that some people were supporting the suspension judging by the performance of the Warriors at the previous tournaments.
“It’s not just about winning, but also about the opportunities that come with playing football. Football gives kids hope.You grow up wanting to play for your country, and that alone motivates and inspires you to work hard. A year in the life of a footballer is a lifetime,” Maroto said.
SRC board chairman Gerald Mlotshwa was quoted in the media at the weekend saying that the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers were not a priority and he was not prepared to give in to the demands of FIFA to reinstate the suspended ZIFA board.
