ZIFA Faces Backlash Over New U-17 Selection Strate...

ZIFA Faces Backlash Over New U-17 Selection Strategy

Witness Runodada

ZimNow Reporter

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced a revised selection strategy for the Under-17 Boys National Team ahead of the COSAFA U-17 Boys Championship, set for September 11 to 20, 2025, in Zimbabwe. The move comes after the recent suspension of all junior player trials, a decision that has sparked debate within the football community.

In its latest plan, ZIFA has appointed four experienced coaches Thulani Sibanda, Norman Edward Taruvinga, Backlyfield Chivenga, and Jatson Maposa to lead a nationwide player assessment programme from August 18 to 20. The evaluation will focus on technical ability, tactical awareness, physical readiness, and mental strength, with merit touted as the central criterion for selection.

The changes follow ZIFA’s decision on August 1 to halt all youth trials across the country in a bid to “realign technical and development processes.” The suspension, which affected provincial structures, was framed as part of broader reforms aimed at improving coordination, transparency, and consistency in player development. Provincial bodies were instructed to submit existing player lists to ZIFA’s Technical Department for consolidation ahead of the selection tour.

However, the new approach has faced swift criticism from sections of the football fraternity. Concerns have been raised over the practicality of having only four coaches assess players from all ten provinces within a three-day window.

Martin Chinganyerere a football fan questioned the feasibility of the plan, likening it to “a lame April Fool’s Day joke” and arguing that such a process cannot deliver a credible outcome.

“Even people high on crystal meth can come up with better workable ideas,” Chinganyerere said. “Why can’t we bring all players to one central location and conduct fair trials with a larger panel of selectors?”

Others fear the rushed process will overlook deserving players. Another football fan Chisoro Albert noted that talent identification should be an ongoing exercise, ideally supported by academies and well-resourced schools. “Only two days to identify talent , that is how we miss lots of talents,” he said.

Meanwhile, questions have been raised over the inclusion of certain officials in the selection process. Journalist Makomborero Mutimukulu described the appointments of Taruvinga and Chivenga as “controversial” and warned that bias and favoritism could influence the final squad. “Undeserving Prince Edward Academy players will find their way into the team,” he claimed, suggesting that well-connected individuals might manipulate the system.