Adam Ndlovu condemns ZIFA loopholes

By Aaron Dube

JOHANNESBURG – Former Zimbabwe national team striker, Adam Ndlovu (left of picture), has condemned the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) for its inept handling of the national team, especially the issue around the recent deportation of national team coach appointee, Tom Saintfiet.

Ndlovu, second only to his younger brother, Peter, as Zimbabwe’s highest ever goal scorer, said the Warriors had a good chance of qualifying for the AFCON 2012, but might fail to do so due to the “politics” within ZIFA.

“There are loopholes in ZIFA’s administration and this will have a bearing on our chances of qualifying to the AFCON,” said Ndlovu, who formed a deadly partnership with his younger brother and Agent Sawu during the “Dream Team” days of the 90s.

The Johannesburg-based Ndlovu added that with proper administration, Zimbabwe would easily rise to be one of the best footballing nations on the continent.

“We can embark on a very fruitful rebuilding exercise because we have a number of talented youngsters in our ranks and if more of these juniors playing both here in South Africa and back home are blended well into the national team, we can compete with the best. Former players also need to be brought in to assist in the running and handling of our football, just like in developed countries.”

Ndlovu said a vibrant junior policy, which should be a feeder to the national team, should be developed in Zimbabwe. Ndlovu, who has ventured into business in the neighboring country, owns a night club at Bramley, Johannesburg and runs other several other businesses in the same city.

During his heydays, he plied his trade in Switzerland for FC Zurich, SC Kraines and SR Delmont, where he became a top goal scorer with 38 goals in 2000. He also played for a number of teams in South Africa at the twilight of his career a few seasons ago. The Zimbabwean