Mugabe praises Benjani

President Mugabe admires the autographed soccer jersey that was presented to him by former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari at State House yesterday √ɬ¢√¢‚Äö¬¨" PictPresident Mugabe yesterday hailed former Warriors skipper Benjani Mwaruwari as a true sporting ambassador who raised the country's flag high and never lost track of his Zimbabwean roots during his decorated football career. Speaking at a reception at State House to welcome a galaxy of African soccer stars that jetted into the country for Mwaruwari's testimonial, the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces said the development of football cannot be left in the hands of the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) alone.
"By setting up a foundation, Benjani is offering tremendous, tremendous support to our national policies. It is not only Zifa that should be left with the training of players. In fact, Zifa do not do much of the training; they concentrate on the administration of the game. So, it is the clubs that do most of the training.
"Presently, sport falls under the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, but, in the future, we might have to establish an entire ministry of sport.
"I say so because there is so much love for soccer in the country," he said. President Mugabe disclosed that he has closely followed Mwaruwari's career, saying the former Warriors captain played his own part in turning Manchester City into a team good enough to win the Barclays Premier Soccer League title.
"Now we have Manchester City on top and we are proud to note that you played there and left your mark," he said before going on to reveal his favourite football teams.
"Yes, I followed you and watched some of your games, but I am a Chelsea and Barcelona supporter and I always want them to score," said Cde Mugabe."When I watch soccer, I do not want anyone to disturb me. Even my wife knows where to sit because while they are scoring in the field I will also be scoring at home, kicking everything in front of me. "I have scored a lot of goals at my home, but I can only remember scoring once during the days we played a lot of football as I grew up.
"It was rather fortunate, too. I just hit the ball towards goal and the goalkeeper was poor so it went in."
The President said it was important for footballers to be well-behaved and plan for life after they are done playing the world's most beautiful game.
"Baba naMai Mwaruwari, tinoda kukutendai nekuti mwana haana kurasika paakaenda mhiri. Tese tinoziva kuti hunhu hwedu hwatinahwo hunobva kuvabereki (We would like to thank Benjani's parents because he remained disciplined during his time overseas. We all know that parents shape our characters).
"Benjani never lost track of his roots and it shows in the way he is coming back and setting up a foundation that will assist others. And to the lady who is fortunately married to Benjani, I would like to say you and the kids are in safe hands," he said.
President Mugabe called on Zifa, which was represented by acting association president Ndumiso Gumede, to offer career guidance to the country's footballers."Baba Gumede, batsirai vana. They go to South Africa or Europe, live, sleep and eat football, but forget to plan for the afternoon of their lives. "Football should be able to provide for them long after they have stopped playing," he said.
In his address, Mwaruwari hailed President Mugabe for supporting football and pledged to continue investing his money and efforts into the development of the game. The striker, who cut his footballing teeth while playing for Highlanders juniors before going to dazzle in top-flight leagues in South Africa, Switzerland and England, later presented the President with an autographed replica of the number 25 jersey he wore at English side Portsmouth. "This jersey has been signed by all my friends and is my way of saying thank you, Your Excellency," said Mwaruwari.
Meanwhile, the photo shoot session provided a lot of banter with Senegalese star El Hadji Diouf and his wife making the most of their time with President Mugabe.
Khalilou Fadiga, one of the stars of the Senegalese team that held the globe spellbound as they powered their way into the quarter finals of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, described President Mugabe as a true Pan-African and a charmer. 
"He is unbelievable," said the giant midfielder.
"I will definitely take up his offer for us to visit the Victoria Falls and some other intriguing places you have here in Zimbabwe. Just like you guys (Zimbabweans), the President is warm and very friendly." From the local front, Hwange legend Cosmas Zulu was thrilled at finally having his 62-year-old dream come true.
"President, ndafara zvikuru I am very happy)," he beamed.
"I have waited for 62 years to shake your hand and I am proud that this day has come true. "I can now die a happy man."
Zulu's joy shot to stratospheric levels when President Mugabe invited him to sit next to him and have the moment frozen by the dozens of photographers who were present.
"Benjie, move over, I want to sit comfortably next to the President. Photographers, please make sure that this picture gets to my wife. "She couldn't believe me when I told her that I was going to meet the President," said the former Highlanders coach as he enjoyed his moment in the sun at the State House garden.
Yesterday's event was also attended by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Cde Walter Mzembi, trustees of the Benjani Mwaruwari Foundation and yesteryear football stars.