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Stanford Chiwanga, [email protected]

THE world of football is no stranger to the phenomenon of legendary players taking up the mantle of coaching, often leading their teams to glory with the same passion and skill they once displayed on the pitch. As Zimbabwe considers the appointment of a new national team coach, one name they should consider is Bruce Grobbelaar.

It’s worth looking at the precedent set by other football icons to understand the potential impact such a decision will have on the Warriors.

Bruce, with his rich legacy as a former goalkeeper for Liverpool and his deep roots in Zimbabwe, stands as a figure of national pride. His recent participation in the Fifa Football for Schools programme in Harare and his engagement with the Zifa Normalisation Committee highlights his commitment to nurturing the sport back here home.

His potential appointment as the national team coach is not just about leveraging his international experience; it’s about igniting a spark of hope and ambition in the hearts of Zimbabwean players and fans alike.

Bruce was a key figure in Zimbabwe’s “Dream Team” era during the early 1990s, a period that is fondly remembered as the nation’s finest in football.

Bruce Grobbelaar

The team, led by the late coach Reinhard Fabisch, came tantalisingly close to World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifications, with Grobbelaar’s experience and skill as a goalkeeper being integral to their success. His presence in the team was a statement of Zimbabwe’s diversity and ambition.

The transition from player to coach has been a path tread by many of the game’s greats, with several notable successes. Think Franz Beckenbauer, the German legend who led his country to World Cup victory as a player and then again as a coach, showcasing the seamless transition from playing to coaching. Remember Johan Cruyff, the Dutch mastermind revolutionised football both as a player and as a coach, leaving an indelible mark on the philosophy of the game with “Total Football”, a style of play that the Netherlands still adheres to this day. Who can forget Zinedine Zidane? The

French maestro, known for his elegance on the ball, took Real Madrid to consecutive Champions League triumphs, proving his tactical acumen off the pitch.

The appointment of Bruce could do the same and be a pivotal moment for Zimbabwean football. His rich history as a player, combined with his coaching experience and deep connection to Zimbabwean football, positions him as an ideal candidate to lead the national team. Like Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, and Zinedine Zidane, Grobbelaar has the potential to transition seamlessly from a legendary player to a transformative coach. His leadership could inspire a new generation of players and fans, much like his role in the Dream Team did in the past.

Bruce’s potential appointment comes with a promise of transformation. His expertise, coupled with his passion for Zimbabwean football, could catalyse a new era of success. Like the greats before him, Grobbelaar embodies the spirit of excellence that he can impart to the national team, fostering a culture of winning and innovation.

Some might think that such a move would be unwise. This is because they don’t know that Bruce is a capable coach. His storied career as a player is well-documented, but his coaching journey is equally compelling and serves as a strong foundation for his potential appointment as Zimbabwe’s national team coach. His transition from player to coach saw him take on various roles, including a stint as the manager of South African side Seven Stars, where he remarkably led the team from the relegation zone to fourth place in the final table. He later moved to league rivals Hellenic in 2001, saving them from relegation as well. His managerial skills were further honed as a goalkeeper coach for Ottawa Fury FC of the North American Soccer League in 2014. He also spent time coaching Supersport United, Manning Rangers, and Umtata Bush Bucks.

Without a doubt, there are other coaches with better CVs who can coach the Warriors, but none of them will bring the excitement and nostalgia that the appointment of one Bruce Grobbelaar will bring. Giving the job to Bruce could be a watershed moment for Zimbabwean football, much like it has been for other nations that have embraced their heroes as coaches. It’s a step that could lead to a future charged with possibility, where the echoes of past triumphs inspire new feats on the global stage.

Bruce’s leadership could very well be the guiding light that leads Zimbabwe to its rightful place in the annals of football history.
@plainstan