The Sunday Mail
Chipo Sabeta in ENGLAND
BRUCE GROBBELAAR has underlined his love for the growth of the national game with the legendary former Warriors and Liverpool goalkeeper pledging to support football development programmes being undertaken by Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom.
The “Jungleman’’ as Grobbelaar was affectionately known during his playing days recently went into partnership with Team Zimbabwe UK aimed at supporting their Zimbabwe Diaspora Football Development Programme.
Under the new programme, the 65-year-old Grobbelaar is expected to play a pivotal role in convincing into playing for the Warriors, some of the UK-born players who Team Zimbabwe have identified and invited to represent the country.
Grobbelaar indicated that he not only committed towards unearthing new football gems in the UK, but pledged to nurture raw talent under the programme.
The former SuperSport United coach played as a goalkeeper for a host of teams, most prominently for English giants Liverpool between 1981 and 1994.
Last weekend he was the guest of honour at a friendly match organised by Team Zimbabwe UK and The UK Colombian Community in preparation for the Inner-City World Cup Tournament to be held next month near East London Olympic part village.
“I am keen to help in the development of football in this country, especially in terms of nurturing young footballers.
“There is pride in representing the national team and for them to realise their dreams.
“Besides just promoting sports development, there is need to ensure that we support as many young Zimbabweans to achieve their desired purpose.
“Sport can play a big role in helping build Zimbabwe as a tourist destination of choice,” he said.
Grobbelaar, who won the 1984 European Cup with Liverpool there was need for national team selectors cast their net wider.
“There are many England-based players in this country, and I believe the Warriors have the potential to develop into one of the giants of Africa, or even compete globally.”
Team Zimbabwe UK chief executive Marshall Gore, said the engagement with Grobbelaar will help in mobilising resources for the mentorship of young athletes and coaches.
Gore said the programme was in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision to boost Brand Zimbabwe as a safe tourism destination and international community engagement.
“We were glad he (Grobbelaar) accepted our invitation, and were very honoured to have him as a guest for the friendly match.
“We spoke at length, with regards to our players dotted around the United Kingdom, and how we can help identify and give exposure to sports.
“His career speaks for itself, and we really expect more engagements with other legends of that magnitude.
“I really want to applaud Bruce for his grounded nature, despite his global fame,” Gore said.
“The collaboration with Bruce will extend to partnership in developing grassroots football in Zimbabwe.
“This will include holding football tournaments in Zimbabwe and a football Symposium.
“His presence will also support Team Zimbabwe to mobilise resources for the Diaspora Team, and provide mentorship support to the coaches.”
Gore, who has been working with ZIFA officials and Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare in identifying Zimbabwean talent overseas added that Grobbelaar’s engagement will inspire many of these young players.
Sport has been playing a significant role in helping build Zimbabwe as a tourist destination of choice.
The ‘Visit Zimbabwe’ campaign began as an initiative between Zimbabwe Cricket and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, through their parent Ministries of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation and Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
As part of the initiative, the senior national cricket teams have been wearing branded merchandise inscribed, “Visit Zimbabwe a World of Wonders to popularise the country during their Test matches and major world events.
Former Springbok prop Tendai “The Beast” Beast’ Mtawarira was last year named Tourism brand ambassador for Destination Zimbabwe by the Ministry of Environment, Tourism & Hospitality Industry.
French-based footballer star Tinotenda Kadewere is another top athlete with an endorsement, and was named Zimbabwe Tourism ambassador to advocate for visitors to the country.
A number of former plyers who included Team Zimbabwe UK Technical Advisor Kennedy Chihuri, former Dynamos captain Memory Mucherahohwa, Brian Nyabunze, Beston Matabile, Obey Murefu, Kuda Zinhu and Mazala Bako attended the function.
