Bunjira blasts ‘thingy’ of dual-role national team...

Bunjira blasts ‘thingy’ of dual-role national team coach, demands full-time focus

Philemon Jambaya

Zimbabwean football legend, Alois Bunjiira, has launched a scathing critique of the current national team coaching setup, calling the practice of a single coach managing both a club and the national side a “thingy” that undermines team success.

Bunjira’s fiery statement, delivered via social media, questioned the feasibility of such an arrangement: “Where and when does [the coach] get the time to watch national team players across the world, analyse games, plan and focus for the national assignments, when he is also busy with his club on a weekly basis?”

He emphasised the national team’s need for a coach solely dedicated to its cause: “We can’t have a national team just coming into Camp on Tuesday, for a Sunday national team game, and by Monday is back at his club. Guys, bhora harina kuchipa zvekudaro haro (football doesn't function that way at all)!”

While acknowledging Norman Mapeza’s coaching credentials, Bunjira firmly believes a full-time commitment is essential: “If he is the man we want, give him the full-time job and pay him accordingly.”

Bunjira’s message champions Mapeza’s potential but urges a decisive shift: “If he [Mapeza] is the one chosen, he should just be employed as the full-time national team coach, and do the job correctly, giving the job his full attention. Izvi zvatiri kuita zvekudherera bhora hazvibatsire hazvo (this sticking with both jobs won't help us).”

Despite his criticism, Bunjira concludes by offering his congratulations: “Happy for Norman all the same. Congratulations to the brother of mine.”

Bunjira’s passionate stance has ignited a debate among Zimbabwean football fans, bringing the spotlight back on the national team’s coaching structure and its potential impact on future performance.