Munetsi implores SRC, ZIFA to find common ground

FIFA Ban: France-based Marshall Munetsi says players caught in power struggle; no communication from authorities - NewZimbabwe.com — Marshall Munetsi

Philemon Jamabaya

Warriors Midfielder Marshal Munetsi has resuscitated his plea to the Sports and Recreation Commission for it to find common ground following a stalemate with the Felton Kamambo-led ZIFA executive

Munetsi is pleading with the SRC to be considerate towards the international careers of players by cooperating with FIFA for the country to be reinstated into international football.

Zimbabwe was suspended from international football in March last year over government interference in the running of the Zimbabwe Football Association with the SRC board chairman, Gerald Mlothswa, being adamant that reinstatement into international football is not a priority at the moment.

With the 2026 World Cup draw set to be conducted soon, Munetsi is worried that Zimbabwe will once again be left out after missing out on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“As we approach the next set of qualifiers, as football players we are reminded that our national teams remain banned from participating in any international assignments, this reminder cascades down to the fans as well because they can’t enjoy the national teams they love to watch playing,” Munetsi said.

“As things stand we continue to lose a generation of talented footballers because they do not have opportunities to showcase their talents during national team assignments. This situation continues to harm not only the future of football in the country but it is depriving the general community of the downstream benefits that football can bring to the social economy of the nation,” he said.

The Reims midfielder who is in top form this season and has been linked with a move to England implored the responsible authorities in the country to consider the damage that is being done by not playing international football.

“I continue to implore to the SRC and ZIFA urging all the parties involved to find common ground and come to an amicable solution that will allow our football to survive as we move into the future.

“Our football needs us to find each other and for us to move in one direction and speak with one voice. The participation of our country at major tournaments stands to benefit us more,” he added.