The Highlanders midfielder, who is set to leave the Mbada Cup champions for Absa Premiership side Mpumalanga Black Aces before August, conceded that the defeat was an embarrassment to the nation struggling to make a mark outside the little-recognised Cosafa Challenge Cup.
“It is painful that we were eliminated so early into the tournament because we had hoped to go all the way to the finals in Morocco next year,” said the skilful Bosso player, who also played a blinder in the African Nations Championships held in South Africa in January.
“What pains me most is that we will not participate in any competitive games for some time, which is not good for both the players and a nation that has die-hard supporters of this beautiful game,” he said.
Meanwhile, former national team defender Henry McKop blamed the latest embarrassment on mismanagement of the game by national soccer governing body, Zifa.
The former Bristol City player, who also starred in Reinhardt Fabisch’s famed “Dream Team” of the 1990s, said a lot of changed needed to be ushered in for Zimbabwe to rise again.
“There are certain things that need to be changed and others that need to be done for the success of the national team,” said McKop, who also played for Zimbabwe Saints. “Firstly, Zifa must change their administration and bring in proper administrators who will make sure that national team players are paid in time for them to deliver. We also need to find enough sponsors who will be in the game for its development.”
The former star said even during his national team days they experienced similar challenges when it came to payments, but added that their technical department, led by Fabisch and Jimmy Finch, played a vital role to ensure they got paid, unlike today, where the team’s management is not heard or respected at all by Zifa.
Post published in: Football