Football fans divided on ZIFA's appointment of int...

Football fans divided on ZIFA's appointment of interim Warriors coach

Philemon Jambaya

Zimbabwe's football fraternity is experiencing mixed reactions following the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Normalisation Committee's appointment of Jairos Tapera as the interim head coach for the senior men's national team, the Warriors.

While some fans welcome the appointment of Tapera, the PSL's reigning Coach of the Month, concerns linger regarding the overall competence of the ZIFA Normalisation Committee, particularly in handling preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The appointment of a four-man technical team, including Tapera, Takesure Chiragwi, Saul Chaminuka, and the returning Sunday Chidzambga as technical advisor, has instilled a sense of renewed hope among some fans. They see this as a step towards restoring dignity to the sport.

"They've recognized these are the top coaches in the country," remarked a fan, referencing Tapera's success with Manica Diamonds, the current PSL leader. "This is a temporary solution, but it's a good move."

Another fan echoed the sentiment, emphasizing unwavering support for the national team: "We continue to rally behind our team. It's our country's team."

Fans reminisce about Zimbabwe's footballing peak, where packed stadiums were a testament to the passion ignited by quality coaching. They express cautious optimism, urging the team to be given a chance to prove themselves.

However, not everyone shares the positive outlook. Several fans remain critical of the ZIFA Normalisation Committee's overall handling of the situation, particularly regarding the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in South Africa.

One fan, referencing the FIFA video game, highlighted the heartbreak of missing out on World Cup representation. They urged ZIFA to address concerns surrounding the team's preparation.

Another questioned the logistical hurdles, specifically the use of neutral venues in Rwanda and South Africa for Zimbabwe's home matches. This, they argue, disadvantages passionate fans who rely on betting to support the team.

The lack of thorough preparation also drew criticism. Fans believe the technical team and a provisional squad should have been selected much earlier.

With the World Cup qualifiers and the COSAFA tournament looming, the pressure is on for the newly appointed interim coaching staff. Tapera and his team will face the dual challenge of navigating a crucial period in Zimbabwean football while simultaneously mitigating concerns over ZIFA's management.