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The Barcelona coaching saga: Machazani's side of the story
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Marshall Machazani, a former player for Zimbabwean football giants Dynamos and Highlanders, has addressed allegations from the Barcelona Innovation Hub that he misrepresented his 2023 visit to the Spanish city.
The Innovation Hub claimed Machazani falsely suggested he had participated in their coaching programmes and visited their facilities, accusations that have since sparked controversy.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub from Harare, Machazani acknowledged his January 2023 trip to Barcelona but clarified it was a personal vacation funded by his girlfriend. He stated that while in the city, he became inspired by Barcelona's football ethos and later pursued online coaching courses with the Barcelona Innovation Hub.
"I do acknowledge that I was in Spain for a vacation, and it was private. While I was there, I liked how they do their things at Barcelona. I then decided to take up a coaching course with their Innovation Hub after the Barcelona tour. The three courses were How to Train, The Basics of Our Style of Play, and What to Train.
"I did these online and attained the certificates between July-December 2023. Everything that was published after my Barcelona trip was just a domino effect," Machazani explained.
In a statement, the Barcelona Innovation Hub accused Machazani of fabricating details about his visit and falsely claiming to have spent several months honing his coaching skills at their facilities. Their investigation, based on visa records and other documentation, revealed that Machazani was in Barcelona for only one week and did not participate in any in-person coaching programmes.
The hub also disputed Machazani's claims of meeting Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, calling them "unfounded."
"We take great pride in our academy's reputation for excellence, and it's disappointing to see individuals seeking to exploit that reputation for personal gain," the Innovation Hub stated.
The controversy has led to confusion, with reports of aspiring coaches applying for non-existent attachments at the Barcelona Innovation Hub. The academy has urged Machazani to retract his statements and issue a public apology.
Despite the backlash, Machazani remains focused on his coaching ambitions. "I'm just focused on moving forward and continuing to learn and grow as a coach," he said.
Machazani's reputation as a player remains intact, having previously played for Zimbabwean football powerhouses Dynamos and Highlanders. However, the allegations surrounding his Barcelona trip have cast a shadow over his budding coaching career.
The Innovation Hub claimed Machazani falsely suggested he had participated in their coaching programmes and visited their facilities, accusations that have since sparked controversy.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub from Harare, Machazani acknowledged his January 2023 trip to Barcelona but clarified it was a personal vacation funded by his girlfriend. He stated that while in the city, he became inspired by Barcelona's football ethos and later pursued online coaching courses with the Barcelona Innovation Hub.
"I do acknowledge that I was in Spain for a vacation, and it was private. While I was there, I liked how they do their things at Barcelona. I then decided to take up a coaching course with their Innovation Hub after the Barcelona tour. The three courses were How to Train, The Basics of Our Style of Play, and What to Train.
"I did these online and attained the certificates between July-December 2023. Everything that was published after my Barcelona trip was just a domino effect," Machazani explained.
In a statement, the Barcelona Innovation Hub accused Machazani of fabricating details about his visit and falsely claiming to have spent several months honing his coaching skills at their facilities. Their investigation, based on visa records and other documentation, revealed that Machazani was in Barcelona for only one week and did not participate in any in-person coaching programmes.
The hub also disputed Machazani's claims of meeting Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, calling them "unfounded."
"We take great pride in our academy's reputation for excellence, and it's disappointing to see individuals seeking to exploit that reputation for personal gain," the Innovation Hub stated.
The controversy has led to confusion, with reports of aspiring coaches applying for non-existent attachments at the Barcelona Innovation Hub. The academy has urged Machazani to retract his statements and issue a public apology.
Despite the backlash, Machazani remains focused on his coaching ambitions. "I'm just focused on moving forward and continuing to learn and grow as a coach," he said.
Machazani's reputation as a player remains intact, having previously played for Zimbabwean football powerhouses Dynamos and Highlanders. However, the allegations surrounding his Barcelona trip have cast a shadow over his budding coaching career.
Source - the chonicle
