Until this week only two major sports stars in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwean fast bowler Henry Olonga and renowned wicket keeper and batsmen Andy Flower had stood up against Mugabe, but the former Warriors’ mentor joined the famous pair in Portugal at the weekend to participate in a ‘black armband’ protest.
Barreto told Kickoff magazine that the crisis in his country was affecting everyone, including sports personalities, and he joined the Zim Vigil activists to add his weight to their message.
More than 30 activists travelled from London to Lisbon and voiced their disaffection with Mugabe’s presence at the EU-Africa summit, given his human rights record.
Barreto said the protests were very successful as they raised awareness on the crisis in the country. He said both delegates to the summit and ordinary Portuguese residents were left very clear on what the problems in Zimbabwe are about.
The veteran coach has coached the Zimbabwe national team and had stints with Highlanders, Zimbabwe Saints, Shu-Shine and Black Rhinos in Zimbabwe before coaching Free State Stars, Manning Rangers and Orlando Pirates in South Africa.
Asked if he will go back to coach teams in Zimbabwe, Barreto said he would only go back once things normalised.
Commentators have in the past urged sports personalities with a huge fan base to use their clout and speak out against abuses in the country.
Olonga and Andy Flower were banished from the Zimbabwe cricket team after they wore black armbands during a match in which they mourned the death of democracy in Zimbabwe. – Own correspondent
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News