Madinda Ndlovu calls for merit-based Warriors selection

Zimbabwe football legend Madinda "Khathazile" Ndlovu has called for a return to merit-based selection for the national team, saying the Warriors can only realise their full potential if places are earned through talent, discipline and consistent performance.

Speaking on the Diasbhora podcast, the former Warriors winger and coach said Zimbabwe possesses an abundance of football talent, but stressed that success at international level depends on selecting players on merit.

"The future is bright if we are going to do the right thing in terms of team selection," Ndlovu said.

He argued that the standards that once defined Zimbabwean football have gradually declined, making it easier for players to receive national team call-ups without consistently proving themselves.

"These days it's easy for you to play in the national team. It's all about who knows who. It's not a secret. Years back, national team call-ups were earned through pure talent and merit. Even at club level, we selected players on merit," he said.

Ndlovu also emphasised the importance of discipline, saying commitment off the pitch should be a key factor in player selection.

"When I was a coach, I used to tell my players that if you missed training for two days, you should consider yourself ineligible for selection," he said.

His comments come amid ongoing debate among football supporters over the criteria used to select Warriors players, with many calling for greater transparency in the selection process.

Ndlovu said Zimbabwe has sufficient talent to compete with the continent's top football nations, provided national team places are awarded on the basis of performance, professionalism and commitment rather than personal connections.

"We have the players to compete. What we need is to ensure that everyone earns the privilege of wearing the national team jersey," he said.