Political patronage behind Coaches4ED exposes retirement crisis in football

HARARE – Recent high-profile gifts to retired football figures have reignited debate over the long-term financial security of Zimbabwe’s former players and coaches, exposing what critics describe as a deep-seated retirement planning crisis within the country’s football system.

The discussion intensified after controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo announced that veteran coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa had received a brand-new Toyota Fortuner and US$20 000 in cash.

The gift was publicly linked not only to Chidzambwa’s decorated football career but also to his recent affiliation with the Zanu PF-aligned Former Footballers and Coaches4ED group, which supports President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “ED 2030” campaign.

Madinda Ndlovu, former Highlanders coach and player, and Gibson Homela who caoched the national team have all come out in the open supporting the Zanu-PF affiliation.

Chivayo stated that the US$92 000 package was motivated by Chidzambwa’s “patriotic loyalty” and football achievements.

The development has triggered widespread debate over the increasing involvement of politics and money in the lives of retired sports figures.

While Chidzambwa’s status as Zimbabwe’s most successful coach is undisputed, having guided the Warriors to their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance in 2004, another qualification in 2019, four COSAFA Cup titles and Dynamos’ 1998 CAF Champions League final, critics argue that the circumstances surrounding the gift highlight a broader failure to protect footballers after retirement.

Observers say many Zimbabwean players who represented top local clubs and foreign teams earned enough during their careers to secure stable post-football lives, yet a significant number now face financial insecurity.

This, they argue, leaves retired players vulnerable to political patronage and public dependency.

“Zimbabwe’s footballers lack future planning and some plied their trade in foreign leagues earning handsomely enough to carry them to comfortable retirement .

“It’s heartbreaking to see the great footballers of yesterday Madinda Ndlovu, Sunday Marimo, Gibson Homela being publicly humiliated by Zanu-PF to drive their 2030 nonsensical agenda begging for cars,” a football observer wrote on X.

The 2030 agenda is a controversial plan fronted by President Mnangagwa’s supporters to extend his term of office by three more years when his current and final term ends in 2028.

The controversy has also extended to football administration. Financial influence has played a role in recent technical and managerial appointments at local clubs.

Former national team striker Benjani Mwaruwari was appointed head coach at Highlanders FC, while Peter Ndlovu took up a team manager role at Scottland FC, decisions that were made by Chivayo who sponsors both clubs.

Observers have contrasted developments in Zimbabwe with players from other African countries who invested in businesses, education and property during or shortly after their playing careers.