Herald
4 September 2010
By Roy Matiki
EDUCATION, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart has challenged the new Zifa board to bring back the confidence of stakeholders by running the game professionally.
Addressing guests at the official launch of the 2012 African Cup of Nations campaign on Thursday night, Coltart said one of the reasons why Zimbabwe has failed at the international stage was because of questionable administration.
“We need to start rebranding the game and clean up the mess that has characterised our game. The task begins with Zifa.
“I have since written to Zifa chairman Cuthbert Dube, to hold an indaba on the topic of finance.
“There is need to know the calendar for the national teams a year in advance and to submit the budget well in advance.
“If Ghana could reach that stage at the World Cup in South Africa, it’s possible that Zimbabwe can achieve the same feat.
“I was privileged to watch 36 schools playing cricket at Prince Edward. The talent is abundant across the country.
“We need to organise schools soccer leagues better in the country as a way of tapping raw talent. There is need to build the foundation of the senior national team,” Coltart said.
He said there was need to have a vision for the nation going beyond the 2014 World Cup.
He challenged the players to play with passion and pride when on national duty.
Coltart said there was need to build two stadiums in Mutare and in Masvingo within the next seven years.
“It’s important that we begin our 2012 campaign on a winning note and you are guaranteed support from the President, the Prime Minister and all Government ministers.
“National pride is at stake and I am proud to be the Minister of Sport in this great nation.
“I challenged the players as they play Liberia to rekindle the passion and be committed on the field of play.
“The national team has great talent and I am confident that you will produce the much-needed result.
“The match against Brazil revealed our natural ability to scale to dizzy heights. A draw against Japan was no mean achievement,” added Coltart.