U-17 Selectors Accused of Unfair Trials

Runodada Witness ZimNow reporter

The national Under-17 boys’ team selectors have been accused of running an unfair and biased player assessment process, with fellow coaches and observers questioning the credibility of their methods. However, growing criticism is also being directed at the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), which is being blamed for creating the controversy by allocating the selectors only a few days to complete the task.

Four respected coaches Thulani Sibanda, Norman Edward Taruvinga, Backlyfield Chivenga, and Jatson Maposa were appointed to oversee the nationwide trials between August 18 and 20. The exercise was meant to identify talent for the upcoming COSAFA U-17 Boys Championship, scheduled for September 11 to 20, 2025. Yet instead of producing unity, the selection has sparked widespread discontent.

One grassroots coach who witnessed the trials accused the selectors of ignoring input from those who work with the players regularly.

“Instead of cooperating with us, they decided to do their own thing. If a player missed his first touch, he was immediately substituted, regardless of how long he had been on the pitch,” he said.

Reports in The Herald suggest that the selectors have also been accused of favoritism, with claims they promoted players linked to Prince Edward Academy while sidelining equally talented youngsters. Such allegations have led to growing resentment from the football community, many of whom feel the trials did not reflect meritocracy.

However, critics argue that the selectors were set up to fail due to ZIFA’s flawed planning. With just three days to assess players from across the country, they had little opportunity to conduct thorough evaluations, fueling perceptions of bias and unfairness.

Responding to the allegations, Mike Madoda from ZIFA, insisted no formal complaints have been lodged with the association.

“ZIFA is open to everyone who has a complaint, but as of now, there has not been any reported case,” Madoda said.

While the COSAFA tournament preparations continue, the row has left the Under-17 project clouded in controversy. While the selectors stand accused of bias, many believe ZIFA’s poor planning is the real reason the process has been compromised.