By Princess Eugene Majuru In London
UK-based Zimbabwe football scout Jomo Dyson Dzapasi has expressed strong support for Zimbabwe Warriors coach Kaitano Tembo, praising the national team’s developing philosophy and calling for patience as Zimbabwe rebuilds its football future.
Speaking to News of The South on Friday, a day before Zimbabwe’s match, Dzapasi said Tembo deserves time, support and authority to implement his football philosophy, especially at youth level.
“Kaitano Tembo wants to build players from the back and that is proper football,” said Dzapasi. “The goalkeeper was passing from the back and it was really good to see. That’s how top teams like Barcelona, Manchester City and PSG play — you build from the back and make neat passes.”
Dzapasi believes Zimbabwe has already shown signs of adopting a modern football identity, although the country still needs greater quality and depth to fully execute the system.
“Zimbabwe had that philosophy in the recent game, but quality let the team down. We need time and more development,” he said.
The UK-based scout, who launched his football business in 2011, says years of study, coaching qualifications and grassroots experience have strengthened his understanding of football development.
“I started my football business in 2011, did my studies and gained qualifications. I have love for children and football,” said Dzapasi.
Based in the United Kingdom, where he received support from locally based football communities in Yorkshire, Dzapasi began his football journey as a coordinator during a difficult period when Leeds United had deteriorated and fallen from top-flight football.
His experience has convinced him that Zimbabwe must invest heavily in youth football to build sustainable success.
“Kaitano Tembo should be given five years to work with the team,” he said. “Two years to build the team will do wonders for the Warriors. He should also be given power to control the Under-20 and Under-18 teams. He can achieve success from Under-18 and Under-20 level as head coach.”
Dzapasi believes that success at youth level would naturally strengthen the senior national team.
“If he wins COSAFA with the Under-23s, he would have built the team for the future,” he added.
The scout highlighted several younger Zimbabwean players who could form the backbone of the next Warriors generation.
“Fusire is only 20, Marodze is 23 and Mthunzi is 29. That’s a good attitude for building a team,” he said.
He also praised Zimbabwe’s access to UK-based footballers, mentioning Christian Clarke, who plays for Nottingham Forest, and another talented player at Southampton whom he compared to legendary Zimbabwean footballer Peter Ndlovu.
“There is talent in the UK and the coach should work closely with scouts because we have access to players,” Dzapasi explained.
However, he cautioned against Zimbabwe focusing only on the United Kingdom.
“ZIFA must not only look at the UK. They should also look at Australia, Canada, America and everywhere we have large populations of Zimbabweans. There are players there who can help the national team,” he said.
He further stressed that South Africa remains an overlooked source of talent.
“In South Africa there are many junior players with great talent. Young players from South Africa are joining big leagues in Europe, but many are not being properly looked at. Zimbabwe can benefit from that talent,” he said.
Dzapasi also defended the Warriors’ recent performances, insisting the current matches should not be judged only on results.
“These games are not being played to win, but to build the team,” he said. “It doesn’t help to win the cup if the players have not been tested in the game.”
He singled out senior players such as Marvelous Nakamba and Marshall Munetsi, saying age, injuries and fatigue must be carefully managed.
“Nakamba, one of Zimbabwe’s best players, is now on decline due to age and injury,” he said. “Marshall Munetsi had a big league season and deserves rest. If I was coach, I would have given him fewer minutes because he needs recovery.”
Dzapasi also noted that Jordan Zemura had recently returned from injury and should be managed carefully.
Despite criticism from some supporters, Dzapasi urged Zimbabweans to remain patient and positive.
“We need to be positive to inspire the next generation,” he said.
Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s game against Nigeria, he praised the atmosphere created by supporters.
“The fans were in good spirits and enjoyed the game. Zimbabwe fans outnumbered the Nigerians,” he said.
Dzapasi believes more international friendly matches are crucial if Zimbabwe is to improve under Kaitano Tembo.
“More friendly games will do the trick,” he said. “Corporate companies need to step forward and sponsor friendlies. Players also need to remain available and committed.”
He encouraged Zimbabweans to continue buying tickets and supporting the Warriors as the team develops.
“Zimbabweans should buy tickets and experience the good feeling of supporting the team,” Dzapasi told News of The South. “This is the chance to see the team play, understand their style and learn their game as the team is building up.”
For Dzapasi, patience, youth development, overseas scouting and proper planning remain Zimbabwe’s clearest path back to football success under Kaitano Tembo.
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