Another blow for Zim football

Zimbabwe was banned from international football, a fate that has befallen local clubs who cannot take part in continental competitions

Philemon Jambaya

When two elephants fight, what suffers is the grass. This adage is proving to be true when it comes to Zimbabwean football

Zimbabwe was suspended in November 2021 by world football governing body, Fifa after the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) suspended the Felton Kamambo-led Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) executive.

Now, local football clubs face the same fate. Fifa has insisted that Zimbabwe will only be readmitted into the global football family after the reinstatement of Kamambo and his crew.

The blow has since affected the international participation of all Zimbabwean football teams.

The Caf Champions League Confederations Cup Group Stage draw is taking place now. For the first time since independence, Zimbabwe were not allowed to take part in the draw even at the preliminary stage.

FC Platinum and Bulawayo Chiefs were supposed to represent the country in CAF Champions league and the Confederations Cup respectively

Fans have come out guns blazing against the SRC decision not to reinstate the Kamambo executive.

“This is sad, the clubs have invested a lot. They should be given an opportunity to have a dance in the African Safari,” said Friends of the Warriors Secretary-General, Zivanai Muwashu.

Precious Ndlovu, a member of Zim Supporters Association echoed the same sentiments.

“I think the SRC is being selfish, these clubs have invested a lot and they should reap what they have sowed by playing in the Champions league," Ndlovu said.

FC Platinum finished first in the sponsored Castle Premier league while Bulawayo Chiefs earned their ticket in the Confederations Cup after emerging winners in the Chibuku Super Cup final.