Temba Mliswa Criticizes ZIFA’s 5 O’Level Requirement for Presidential Candidates
Former MP Temba Mliswa has expressed strong disapproval of the Zimbabwe Football Association’s (ZIFA) recent announcement mandating that candidates for the presidency must possess at least five O-Level passes.
He called for reconsideration of ZIFA’s academic rules for former players.
Temba Mliswa Criticizes Academic Barriers for Former Players
Taking to his X account, Temba Mliswa articulated his concerns, emphasizing that requiring five O-Level passes from former players contradicts the encouragement for young athletes to pursue sports as a viable career option.
“This issue of asking for 5 O’levels at ZIFA, for former players, is a no brainer. Young kids have been encouraged to take up sports as an alternative when they struggle with academics. Why should we hold them ransom over academics when they finally excel in those sports?”
Call for Engagement with Sports Authorities
Mliswa urged the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sports, led by Hon. Chiwanza, to engage with the Sports and Recreation Commission to address this issue. He questioned the rationale behind the requirement.
“Isn’t that a contradiction? I implore the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sports led by Hon Chiwanza to engage the Sports& Recreation Commission to deal with this matter. After all what is special about 5 O’levels against the vast practical experience of a former player?”
Advocating for Practical Experience Over Academic Restrictions
The former MP argued for the recognition of practical experience in sports administration.
“There are sector specific courses that one can pursue to add value to themselves instead of us obstructing player growth with tedious requirements. After all, it’s a natural progression. At the very least, we could make exemptions.”
A Call for Consistency in Governance
Temba Mliswa pointed out a perceived inconsistency in governance, suggesting that the same academic standards are not applied to politicians in power.
“We have a whole country literally run by politicians whose entry into the echelons of power isn’t governed by any such mundane academic restrictions. As I have said, like the politicians, former players in administration, only need to be complemented by those with capacity.”
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The post Temba Mliswa Criticizes ZIFA’s 5 O’Level Requirement for Presidential Candidates appeared first on iHarare News.
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