Kadewere speaks on Warriors ban

Philemon Jambaya

Spain-based Warriors striker Tino Kadewere has called for the Sports and Recreation Commission and Zimbabwe Football Association to find each other and save the game of football.

Zimbabwe has remained on the sidelines of international football after the country was suspended by Fifa over third party interference in football matters.

According to Fifa rules and regulations, government or any other party should not interfere in how football matters should be run.

The SRC decided to expel the Felton Kamambo-led Zifa executive, which invited the suspension.

The suspension has affected players more than anyone else as they cannot represent their country at an international stage.

“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. They can’t enjoy the national teams they love to watch playing.

“As things stand, we continue to lose a generation of talented footballers because they do not have opportunities to showcase their talent 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,” Kadewere said.

The La Liga striker pleaded for common ground between SRC and Zifa.

“I continue to implore 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.

Fifa has been clear that the only way Zimbabwe will be readmitted is when Kamambo and his executive are reinstated.