Themba Mliswa has sharply criticized the recent announcement by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) that candidates for the presidency of the football governing body must have at least five O-level passes. In a statement issued yesterday, Mliswa described the academic requirement as unnecessary and counterproductive, particularly for former players seeking leadership roles.
“The issue of asking for 5 O-levels at ZIFA, especially for former players, is a no-brainer,” Mliswa said. “Young kids have been encouraged to take up sports as an alternative when they struggle with academics. Why should we hold them ransom over academics when they finally excel in those sports?”
Mliswa, a vocal advocate for the development of sports in Zimbabwe, believes that imposing academic restrictions on former athletes contradicts the principles of promoting sports as a viable career path. He questioned why practical experience, gained through years of playing at the highest levels, should be sidelined in favor of academic qualifications.
“There are sector-specific courses that one can pursue to add value to themselves instead of us obstructing player growth with tedious requirements,” Mliswa argued. “After all, it’s a natural progression. At the very least, we could make exemptions.”
Mliswa urged the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sports, led by Hon Tino Chiwanza, to engage the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) to address the issue. He emphasized that experience on the field should outweigh formal academic qualifications when it comes to administration roles in football.
Drawing a parallel to the political sphere, Mliswa pointed out that Zimbabwe is governed by politicians who do not face similar academic restrictions to hold office. He suggested that, like in politics, former football players should only need to be complemented by those with the administrative capacity, rather than being barred by academic criteria.
“As I have said, like the politicians, former players in administration only need to be complemented by those with capacity,” Mliswa remarked.
ZIFA’s new policy has sparked debate within Zimbabwe’s football community, with some supporting the move as a way to professionalize the sport, while others echo Mliswa’s sentiments that practical experience and football knowledge should take precedence over academic qualifications. The outcome of these discussions could shape the future leadership of football in the country.
