Former Dynamos FC and Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambga says the level of football that was played before Zimbabwe became independent in 1980 was exceptionally good compared to the present day.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily News, the 67-year-old football legend said current players are not bad but those who played in the 1970s were gifted. Said Chidzambga:
Just before independence kwaitambwa bhora (the football was exceptionally good); we had quite a lot of good players but don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying current players are not good but those we had before independence were gifted players.
Back then, we had very strong teams as well, all the teams were strong. I remember making my national team debut in 1975 when I was about 23 years old.
Chidzambga mentioned the likes of George Shaya, Daniel Chikanda, Ernest Kamba, William Sibanda, Ebson Sugar Muguyo and Majita Mpofu who played for the national team in the then Rhodesia.
Chidzambga captained the national team soon after independence until his injury in 1983 at the age of 31.
The post-Independence team comprised players such as Shaky Tauro, Stix Mtizwa, David Mandigora, Oliver Kateya, Ephet Lungu, David Muchineripi, Wonder Phiri, Misheck Chidzambwa, Bruce Grobbelaar and Max Tshuma.
Mhofu, as Chidzambga is known in football circles, announced his retirement from the game as a full-time coach last month.