Former Zimbabwe international and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha condemned the current system being used in Zimbabwe for primary schools soccer as a setback for grassroots development on the sidelines of the late legend Friday Phiri’s funeral wake
Tinashe Nengomasha who paid homage to the late football legend Friday “Amayenge” Phiri castigated the removal of the old system in running primary school sports. Of late primary schools teams are being engaged in round robin tournaments in juxtaposition with the old system which had a league with home and away games.
“Football starts at primary schools and are very important fro grassroots development . Players need exposure at a tender age and that’s how we were groomed to be soccer stars”, he said. “Youngsters should have a keen interest of playing soccer and this can be achieved by letting them play many games”, he added.
He fumed at the current system whereby a school team can play only one game for the entire season. “In South Africa, some elite schools have soccer matches for a short time because they favor sports like rugby or cricket. But the scenario is different here because soccer is the most wanted sport by these youngsters”, he explained.
His sentiment were also echoed by Rod Makawa former Zimbabwe Under 23 and Caps United FC midfielder who is currently coaching Shiriyedenga Primary School soccer team in Glen Norah. “The current system being used in primary schools is killing soccer.4 teams play in a round robin and 2 teams proceed to the next round where they meet winners in another group of 4.. If a team loses, it means the whole season there will not be any matches for them”, revealed Rod Makawa.
“How can one correct a player’s mistake within such a short space of time.We used to have a league of about 8 primary school teams . If you loose away, you would win at home after having studied the game plan of your opponents. At that time the top team was the one that proceeded to the provincials”, said Rod.
Rod Makawa also lamented the ignorance by school heads to consult former players on how to run soccer at their schools. Tinashe Nengomasha also said soccer players of yester year are different from the current ones because the latter played when there was too much competition and most people were skillful those days whilst the former are superficial who think tinting their hair makes them soccer stars.
Late Legend Friday “Breakdown” Phiri’s burial was thronged by many soccer legends, Carlos Max, Charles Sibanda, Charlie Jones,Brenna Msiska,Sunday Chidzambwa,Misheck Chidzambwa,Stix Mtizwa, George Nechironga , Edwin Farai , Oscar Motsi, Henry Chari, Moses Chunga and many who may not have been mentioned, Former PSL players , coaches. football administrators, Caps United supporters and Dynamos supporters .
The late legend played for Caps United as a midfielder and had a cap for the national team . After HIS retirement as a player he became a coach. He was attached to Chelsea under the guidance of Ruud Gullit for his coaching course. The late Friday Phiri guided Monomotapa United and Border Strikers from Division One to top flight league. He also had coaching stints at various clubs including Triple B , Caps United, Free State Stars in South Africa, Eleven Men in Flight in Swaziland and also coached Under 23 national team.
The late legend was acclaimed for developing juniors and nurturing them .He was buried at Zororo Memorial Cemetery on Sunday afternoon. He was survived by wife Rose 3 children two boys and a girl , David, Manfred and Debra respectively.
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