Ex-Orlando Pirates star Marshall Munetsi’s impassioned plea
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshal Munetsi has made an impassioned plea for Zimbabwe’s champions FC Platinum who are missing the CAF Champions League due to the FIFA suspension.
FC Platinum was meant to be participating in the 2022/23 edition of the continental club competition had the suspension been lifted.
But all prospects of competing at continental and regional levels remain under lock and key, with no solution in sight.
The Zimbabwean government arm, the Sports and Recreation Commission, refused to adhere to FIFA’s directive of reinstating Felton Kamambo and his executive, whom they removed from office.
The commission said the conditions put forward by FIFA are not in sync with what they want to achieve for the country.
As a result, FC Platinum are left to watch its golden opportunity sink into oblivion, a development that has left Munetsi’s heart bleeding.
“On the 2nd of March 2022, I posted regarding the ban on our National teams from international football and how the ban has impacted lives.
“This ban has spilt over to our local football clubs. They can’t take part in regional and continental tournaments.
“I come back again, pleading with the relevant authorities and all parties involved to find a workable solution to this matter,” Munetsi posted on his Facebook page.
The France-based midfield enforcer pleaded for a conflict resolution between the commission and the Zimbabwe Football Association.
“As things stand, we are losing a generation of talented footballers, they are not being exposed to scouting opportunities from abroad as a result, and it is Zimbabwean football that will suffer in a few years, and it is the fans who are being denied to right to watch the game they so dearly love.
“Once again, I plead with the relevant parties to find a workable solution to this matter so that our beautiful nation can enjoy our beautiful game,” he added.
Several Zimbabwean players plying their trade outside the country, such as Khama Billiat, Ovidy Karuru, Gerald Takwara and the now retired Willard Katsande, have previously called for a resolution on the matter but to no avail.