Former Dynamos captain Murape Murape reckons Nqobile Magwizi has done a splendid job in his first 12 months at the helm of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
Magwizi was elected into power on January 25 last year, getting 80% of the votes, in an election in which Philemon Machana, Marshall Gore, Twine Phiri, and Makwinji Soma Phiri also contested.
12 months into his tenure, some football stakeholders have been critical of the Magwizi-led administration, especially because of the chaos in the build up to the Warriors’ participation at the recently held Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco.
Vice captain Marshall Munetsi and the qualifying campaign’s leading goal scorer Walter Musona were left out of the final squad under controversial circumstances, a setback which some Warriors fans blamed for the team’s dismal performance at the continental showpiece, which saw them getting eliminated in the first round.
Despite all those critics, Murape insists Magwizi has done a great job at ZIFA.
“For me, he has done well. I’m one of the former players who endorsed Magwizi during the election period,” said Murape on this week’s episode of Larry’s Look at the League.
“He has brought professionalism and stability in the game. Yes, there are shortcomings since it’s a new industry he is now in, but he has done well regardless.
The 2007 Soccer Star of the Year believes football stakeholders should support Magwizi’s vision.
“He (Magwizi) needs the support of football stakeholders and everyone who loves the game. I think we should we should try and support him,” said Murape.
“He has done a lot, he has created a lot of partnerships which benefit football in Zimbabwe.
“Getting the desired results is a process and while some want instant results, I believe he is on the right track and has done a splendid job so far,” added Murape.
