Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The Warriors camp has been rocked by controversy after star striker Tino Kadewere confronted a journalist, sparking a fiery debate about the relationship between players and the media.
The incident, which took place during a final training session for today’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at Orlando Stadium yesterday, has drawn swift condemnation from Zifa and media bodies, but former Warriors defender Harlington Shereni has sprung to the player’s defense.
Kadewere, who plays in Greece, reportedly threatened journalist Yvonne Mangunda over what he believed was a sustained campaign of negative reporting. Teammates and officials quickly intervened, and the striker later issued an apology to Mangunda and other media personnel present.
However, the fallout has extended far beyond the training pitch.
A section of supporters has rallied behind Kadewere, creating the social media hashtag #IStandWithTino to show their support. Shereni has added his powerful voice to this chorus, posting on his social media platforms to express solidarity with the forward.
“Tino Kadewere, you have my support, our country needs you and hope you can score more goals for us,” Shereni wrote.
The former Dynamos player went on to directly criticize ZIFA, arguing that the association’s primary duty is to protect its players, not media houses. He stated that ZIFA should be creating a “respectful and supportive environment” by promoting responsible reporting and empowering players to speak out without fear of backlash.
“The Zimbabwe football association should promote this by: letting the media professionals be responsible in their reporting and respectful questioning. Empowering players to speak out about mistreatment without fear of backlash. Building ongoing support systems within the ZIFA including welfare officers and mental health advocates,” he posted.
Shereni said that a healthy relationship between players and the media must be based on mutual respect.
He believes that when a player’s well-being is at stake, as he says it was in this case, the football association has a duty to intervene with “strong protection measures.” These measures, he argues, could include mental health support, anti-harassment policies, and even limiting access for what he termed “harmful journalists.”
“The FA not only protects the individual player but upholds the values of respect, safety, and integrity across the sport,” Shereni said.
He accused ZIFA of “throwing Kadewere under the bus” instead of protecting an ambassador and “soldier for our country.”
“It’s difficult for someone who has never played and been in those situations to understand what players go through,” he added, a sentiment echoed by respected journalist and blogger Libertino.
In a separate post on his own social media, Libertino criticized ZIFA for its public censure of Kadewere while failing to condemn the “vulture journalism” that may have provoked the player.
He warned that ZIFA’s perceived favoritism could reignite a standoff between players and journalists and suggested that a players’ union might need to step in if the association continues to fail its members.
The fallout from the incident appears to have had immediate consequences for Kadewere.
According to insiders, Warriors coach Michael Nees had planned to start the striker in today’s match against Benin but was forced to bench him to shield him from further “unfair attacks from the media.”
For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe Follow Africa-Press
