Clive Thabo Dube
FORMER Bulawayo Chiefs and national U17 ladies coach Garthly Chipuka has urged the Recreational Commission (SRC) to climb down from their hard line stance and implement Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) recommendations in Zimbabwe football, a move that will see Zimbabwe restored back to their former position in the international football family.
Chipuka who is reportedly earmarked to take over the coaching reigns at Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit Yadah FC, said Zimbabwe risks missing out on enjoying the success of a host of players that can be best described as the golden generation of this country since 1980.
“The whole chain of football right now is dying, there is absolutely no development. The very few that are doing it, are doing it unregulated. Things are done haphazardly and we think we can compete with the nations that are more organized than us, its impossible.” Chipuka who holds a CAF A coaching license said to this reporter.
“The SRC stance is hurting many-a- footballers because the chances of Zimbabwean players finding moves to greener pastures have been reduced. There is no global television platform currently for our players to showcase themselves. There are no regional, continental and international competitions, in which our players can take part in due to the ban brought about by government interference in football matters. Stakeholders should come together to condemn the SRC’s continued defiance of FIFA directives.”
Chipuka joins France based midfielder Nyasha Munetsi and other high profile footballers who have spoken out against the FIFA imposed ban, imploring fighting administrators to find common ground for the good of the local game. These players believe the ban may see Zimbabwe lose a generation of talented footballers due to international isolation.