Grobbelaar: ‘The time is now, let’s restore pride of Zimbabwean football’

BY BRUCE GROBBELAAR

LIVERPOOL – There comes a moment in every nation’s story when reflection must give way to renewal - when we stop asking what went wrong and start working together to make it right.

For Zimbabwean football, that time is now.

Over recent months, I have watched with pride and admiration as president Nqobile Magwizi and the current Zifa board begin to rebuild the foundations of our game. 

For too long, Zimbabwean football has carried the scars of division, mistrust, and lost opportunity. But today, I see something different: a genuine commitment to restore integrity, transparency, and unity to the sport we all love.

This is not just administration. This is a cultural reset. It is the foundation upon which sustainable success can be built.

Bruce Grobbelaar was a firm favourite of Zimbabwean football fans during his international career with the Warriors.

I have always believed that football, at its best, reflects who we are as a people: our resilience, our creativity, and our capacity to unite in purpose. I have personally lived through triumph and turmoil, but above all I have learned that true victory comes only when talent meets integrity. That is why I believe so deeply in what Zifa is doing today, and I believe in the promise that lays ahead. 

The structures being implemented, from governance reforms to ethical frameworks and development initiatives, Zifa are restoring credibility to our game and confidence to our people. This is leadership that deserves support.

As Afcon approaches, I feel called, once again, to offer my experience and passion in service of the Warriors. I would be honoured to contribute to the national team under this new Zifa board. To lead our nation into Afcon with pride. 

My lifelong connection to Zimbabwe, combined with my experience at the highest levels of the game, is something I want to put fully at the disposal of our football.

This is not about personal ambition. It is about national pride, collective purpose, and showing the world that Zimbabwe rises to meet its challenges with courage and unity.

Afcon is more than a tournament. It is an opportunity to demonstrate that Zimbabwean football is entering a new era, one defined by professionalism, discipline, and belief.

The Warriors have the talent. With the right preparation, structure, and mentality, we can compete with confidence and restore pride to the badge. That is what I want to help build.

To every Zimbabwean who loves this game, the new foundations are being laid. The leadership is committed. The opportunity is here. I believe in Zifa. I believe in the Warriors. And I believe in Zimbabwe.

*Ex-goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, a Liverpool and Zimbabwe national team legend, made 628 appearances for the British giants in the 80s. Post-playing days, Grobbelaar has coached clubs in South Africa as well as twice taking charge of his native Zimbabwe on interim basis. He writes this piece exclusively for SportsCast.