from MARCUS MUSHONGA in Harare, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Bureau
HARARE, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE’S sporting community has erupted in criticism against the Ministry of Sports and the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) following their failure to fund the travel of one of the country’s most promising female athletes, strongwoman Chido Maenzanise, to the World Strongwoman Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The trip, estimated at just $15,000, has become symbolic of wider discontent with sports governance in Zimbabwe.
Maenzanise, widely recognised as Africa’s strongest woman, has repeatedly elevated Zimbabwe’s profile on the continent and international level.
Yet, her participation in February’s world event was jeopardised after both the ministry and SRC reportedly failed to provide financial backing.
This prompted former Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa to launch a public fundraising appeal on social media, urging Zimbabweans and well-wishers to contribute.
“Zimbabwe’s strongwoman Chido Maenzanise has an urgent need for assistance … she conquered Africa and has now been invited for the World Competition in Dubai and is in need of $15,000 urgently to cover everything,” Mliswa wrote, noting that Maenzanise was due to depart on 5 February and still lacked funds for tickets, accommodation, and sustenance despite his personal contribution of $2,000.
The backlash from citizens has been swift.
Commentator Brian Tatenda Mangwende questioned the Sports Ministry’s absence, saying, “Where is the Sports ministry? Don’t be surprised why Themba Gorimbo says what he says.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the chronic underfunding of athletes and the need for systemic change.
The frustration has been amplified by Temba Gorimbo, the United States-based Zimbabwean Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) competitor whose ongoing criticism of the ministry and SRC has drawn international attention.
In a candid interview with Cable News Network’s (CNN’s) Larry Madowo, Gorimbo shockingly stated that he no longer considers himself a Zimbabwean and has severed ties with his homeland due to the lack of support he experienced throughout his career.
“I don’t belong to Zimbabwe. I belong to the universe … Nobody in Zimbabwe supported me, not even my family,” he explained, noting that he blocked all family contacts on his phone and wished for his ashes to be scattered in Kruger National Park upon his death.
Gorimbo’s remarks resonate with many athletes who feel abandoned by Zimbabwe’s sports structures.
His outspoken nature has previously targeted the SRC directly: in past exchanges, Gorimbo accused the Commission and former minister Kirsty Coventry of bureaucratic obstacles that initially prevented him from wearing the Zimbabwean flag on his fight gear in the UFC, lamenting that officials wanted him to “bow down” to get the flag approved.
The SRC, for its part, has defended its actions by stating that no formal request was ever made for national representation, and that processes must be followed.
This has done little to quell criticism, with many athletes and supporters describing the Commission as inept and overly political in its priorities.
Zimbabweans have long debated the state of national sports development.
Critics argue that talent is plentiful but infrastructure, funding, and governance have been lacking for years — issues that not only impact individual careers but also undermine national pride and performance.
The debate ignited by Gorimbo’s CNN interview continues to spotlight these deep-seated frustrations, exposing a sports system in urgent need of reform.
– CAJ News