Former Dynamos captain Murape Murape has called for greater transparency in Zimbabwe’s junior national team selection process.
In an open letter, Murape urged ZIFA to ensure merit determines selection for the Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 national teams.
He stressed that locally developed players deserve fair opportunities alongside Zimbabweans playing abroad.
However, Murape clarified that his concerns do not target players in the diaspora. Instead, he wants authorities to establish a transparent system that identifies the country’s best available talent.
“Zimbabwean football cannot afford to overlook the efforts of local coaches, academies, administrators and parents,” he wrote.
He also highlighted the financial sacrifices families make to support their children’s football dreams.
Murape Calls for Fair Trials for Local and Diaspora Players
Murape argued that playing abroad does not automatically make a player more talented than someone developing locally.
He also warned against allowing financial resources, connections or influence to determine national team selection.
“Being based overseas does not automatically make a player more talented, more developed or more deserving of national team selection than a player developing locally,” he said.
Consequently, Murape proposed organised assessment camps for players based in Zimbabwe, South Africa and the wider diaspora.
He suggested bringing the strongest candidates together for competitive matches and professional technical assessments.
This approach, he believes, would allow coaches to evaluate players fairly before selecting the final squads.
Furthermore, Murape urged ZIFA to introduce transparent scouting, equal opportunities and accountability throughout the selection process.
He also called for recognition of local academies that invest in coaching, facilities and player development despite financial challenges.
Murape Urges ZIFA to Put Merit Before Influence
Murape believes a fairer selection process could strengthen Zimbabwe’s junior teams and improve their international competitiveness.
Although no selection system guarantees victories, he argued that credible assessments would provide a stronger foundation.
He also emphasised that Zimbabwean football must unite local and diaspora talent rather than create unnecessary divisions.
“The Zimbabwe national team is not the property of the diaspora, local academies, individual administrators or any private interest. It belongs to the nation,” he declared.
Murape therefore appealed to ZIFA and national team technical structures to consider his proposals.
He insisted that every eligible player deserves a genuine opportunity to compete for national team selection.
He concluded with a call for unity, fairness and a shared commitment to developing Zimbabwean football.
“One Zimbabwe. One Football Future. Equal Opportunity. The Best Talent, Wherever It Is Found.”
The post OPEN LETTER: Murape Murape writes to ZIFA over National team selection appeared first on iHarare News.
