Zifa throws the dice

After the departure of the Brazilian Jose Claudinei Georgini Valinhos, who struggled to communicate in English with the national players, Zifa parted ways with him after 11 months. But the recent appointment of the Belgian, Saintfeit leaves many wondering whether it will be a repeat performance or a risk worth taking in search of a mentor who will bring glory to the Warriors like the late German mentor, Reinard Fabisch.

Fabisch has been considered by many as Zimbabwes best foreign football coach, despite failing to qualify for the final stages of any major international tournaments. But does the remedy for the countrys football lie only in the technical department?

Elvis Chiweshe: I believe its not about the coaches failing us, but it is our admin that has failed. The remedy is not just in getting a foreign coach, but putting our administration in order. As far as Im concerned there are so many coaches in Zimbabwe and they have not yet failed. It is like in movies, one doesnt just keep changing the actors (coaches) without changing the script (admin). Our main problem is that we have always kept our focus at national level, you start talking of the Warriors everyone starts raising their heads. There was an Under-14 team that took part at the youth Olympics in Singapore and those young players need to be supported. There is need for talent identification at grassroots level and have that talent nursed for a strong national team.

Madinda Ndlovu: I cannot really comment on the appointment of coaches since Im an interested party (recently appointed assistant to Tom Saintfiet). But besides the technical department I think there is need for all Zimbabweans to rally behind the Warriors. The players who are playing in the team are Zimbabweans and there is need for the supporters to believe in the team. It is crucial that the team get the peoples support whether with a foreign or local coach.

James Matola: The record speaks for itself, foreign coaches have never taken us anywhere and if one looks at it closely he will see that the problem is not with them, but the people who work with them. They (foreign coaches) never get enough support. With enough support even local coaches who know our football well can take charge of the national team. Zifa should just change their way of running things; people need to be paid in time, organise friendly matches with good teams and have all people uniting to achieve one goal (victory for the Warriors). There is need for unity from the players, coaches, government, corporate companies and supporters to support the national team.

Christopher Samakweri: Whether Zifa hires a local or foreign coach, the board itself needs to put their house in order and we will see some improvement. Coaches dont fail, Zifa fail them.