BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – Legendary former Liverpool and Zimbabwe goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar has congratulated new Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) president Nqobile Magwizi, stating his willingness to provide support if needed.
“Firstly, I would like to congratulate Nqobile Magwizi on his recent election as the new president of Zifa, now the real work begins,” Grobbelaar said in a statement to SportsCast on Wednesday.
“Zimbabwean football has been in the shadows for too long. The five pillars that have been outlined – building a strong foundation, strong partnerships, commercialisation, investing in infrastructure and technology, and technical prowess – are crucial steps to revitalise our game. But pillars alone do not build a house; execution and delivery will define the future of Zimbabwean football.”
67-year-old Grobbelaar was one of several applicants for the Zimbabwe coaching job, which was given to Germany’s Michael Nees in July 2024. Despite being overlooked for the position, Grobbelaar has once again indicated he is readily available to help his country if called upon.
“I have always, and will always, keep my door open to Zimbabwean football,” said Grobbelaar. “From the men’s and women’s national teams to the grassroots and youth levels, I would welcome the opportunity to sit down and discuss how we can turn vision into reality. Football is a global currency, and we have an opportunity—not just to change the narrative of Zimbabwean football, but to elevate our nation’s standing within the world’s game. The time is now to create lasting impact and real change.”
Grobbelaar expanded the “five pillars” that need to be executed as: “Transparency in governance and decision-making, investment that reaches beyond a select few and benefits all, strategy that is long-term, sustainable, and built for generations, development that ensures Zimbabwean talent can compete on the world stage.”
That, however, isn’t complete without the participation of all stakeholders.
Grobbelaar has a word of advice for the recently elected Magwizi.
“But there is a sixth pillar—and that is the people you now represent,” Grobbelaar said. “This is about raising the tide for all, not just the interests of the few ships that sail upon it. Zimbabwean football belongs to its players, coaches, fans, and communities. If real change is to come, it must be for them. The opportunity is there. The challenge is great. The responsibility is even greater.”
