The World Cup is now done and dusted. It has left us with indelible memories from the first game to to the final. The final was a thriller. I hope for a beautiful ending for the little genius Messi. I got what I hoped for. I think it is an ending which many neutrals hoped, the crowning of King Leo, the settling of a long running debate.
What a final!!
What about the Lessons?
1. In Zimbabwe we have a slogan:Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo (a country is built by own it’s own people) – with a population of 3 million people and relying mostly on Oil and gas, the leadership in Qatar has displayed to us what it means to subscribe to this clarion call and show the world what it takes to build a great nation. We learn that building a nation is not just about sloganeering and empty braggadocio , it is about pursuing a vision and bringing the vision to fruition.
Many countries, especially in Africa have vast mineral and other natural resources but they rarely benefit from them. Usually it is the leadership and a few cronies who benefit and not the country. Fair enough there are other outside forces , like sponsored civil wars and interference from outside forces but with better management of these resources Africa would be unrecognisable from her present dire state. This is the difference with Qatar.They have shown us the true definition of Patriotism , making your nation great by using the resources for Nation Building!!
Takasara apa (We are behind on these issues) and we have lot to learn.
Nothing can stop us if we decide to utilise the resources at our disposal to develop the country.
About the WC they have been uncompromising and refused to be bullied. They focused on delivery and yes they have delivered.They can look back in pride.
2. Football is about planning-The Morrocco success though not fully accepted by some Africans who accuse the North African Nation of “a split identity”, of a failure to identify with Africa, clearly shows the template needed to achieve Sporting Success. The journey started with serious investment in Infrastructure by the Football Association and the Govt. King Mohamed VI is described as “football mad ” and this is reflected in the commitment he has to football development. The Mohamed V1 Sporting complex has been described as the best in Africa and rivals many in Europe.
The Nation also taps into its diaspora Community and 14 of the players were born abroad. A full-time scouting department is responsible for this. The two barrelled approach to football development has paid dividends.
3. The gap between the big guns and the smaller nations is narrowing but I agree, the big guns always rise to the top.
4. African teams need to be better organised and start believing that they can reach the very top. Morocco has broken the 1/4 final glass ceiling and we expect better performances in 2026.
Cameroon shot themselves in the foot because of the chaos in their camp. Andre Onana the first choice keeper left camp in a huff and one feels that the goals they conceded Vs Serbia could have been avoided.
The victory over Brazil was kind of wasted.
Our consolation with Cameroon is the great goal scored by Aboubakar against Serbia , what a goal! Ghana also scored after a 31 pass move, what a a great goal!!
This clearly shows that it is not about the talent ,it’s about the organisation and avoiding disruptions.With better tranquility in the Cameroon camp, I think they could have gone far. They have the talent!
5. Football styles came under the spotlight.Spain’s passing experiment and possession based football was questioned. Does it belong to a bygone era? Must Spain evolve ?
6. The World Cup continued to shine the spotlight on human rights and other causes.It is clear that many movements are gaining ground but ultimately . However , when the matches started, football took over. The World Cup is about football and Football had the final word .
7. 2026 will open more doors for African teams with a guaranteed 9Â teams. What will it take for Zimbabwe to be there?
It’s not a secret, infact it is an open secret.
-We need the right football leaders with a football vision.
– We need Govt to take an active interest in sport . Govt cannot be a disinterested party and watch stadiums like Gwanzura, Rufaro, Towoord, Cam and Motor go to waste. Govt must work closely with football stakeholders to restore these facilities.
-Junior leagues must be taken seriously.
-The cooperate world must come on board.
8. Local coaches can do wonders if given the support. Africa had 5 local coaches with Walid Radgurei doing us proud by reaching the semi-final. France the defending Champions have always done well with Didier Deschamps. The man is a tactician. The Argentina story is amazing. They had an inexperienced bench so to speak, Lionel Scolani and supporting staff of Walter Samuel, Pablo Aimar and Robert Ayala, seasoned internationals but with no traceable coaching pedigree. But the trust paid off..
9. Rising Stars- many young players came through and in Mbappe, the future of football is bright.
10. Many Africans decided to support France, the clarion call was that this was an Africa United team. I appreciated the sentiments but found it a bit desperate. The players were representing France and as such all glory belonged to France. If Africa want to use the Mbappes of this world, they must send scouts early, bring them to play for the age groups so that they grow up with a feel of the National team. This way, their commitment to the cause will be nurtured at an early age.
Messi has lived his whole life in Spain but he is Argentina at heart. Something was planted early. This is how you nurture patriotism.
I love a good ending I am happy it ended well for Messi…now Mbappe can take over. All the best!
Danai Chitakasha , is a Football writer who is keen on the development of Zimbabwe Football. He has worked with the legendary Japhet Mparutsa to pen his autobiography:Japhet Shortcat Mparutsa, My Story.
The book broke new ground as it was the first autobiography by a Zimbabwe local based footballer. Before this , only Bruce Grobelaar had written a biography. Danai is also the author of another the book ;First Cut , Memoirs of A football Fan.
