AS I watched Erling Haaland score that first match goal for Manchester city during the nineth minute last Sunday, my young son came to mind.

I was filled with so much hope and possibilities and yet deep pain as I recall the experiences we have had to go through at the hands of soccer academies in the last decade.

In recent years, the landscape of Zimbabwean football has been marred by governance issues that have left the sport in disarray.

Fifa's establishment of a transitional committee to oversee operations is a response to the dire state of affairs.

While this move is intended to restore order, it inadvertently sheds light on a more pressing concern: the exploitation of young talent within the grassroots soccer system.

As a woman, an activist and mother who is passionate about the future of soccer in her country including my dear son’s soccer dream, this article is a reflective warning to those who continue to fleece parents and abuse young, talented boys in the name of developing soccer.

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Zimbabwean football has faced numerous challenges, including corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of transparency.

The recent intervention by Fifa highlights the urgent need for reform.

However, while the focus is on restructuring governance, the plight of young players remains overlooked.

The establishment of a transitional committee is a step forward, but it must also prioritise safeguarding the interests of grassroots soccer players.

Academy soccer is touted as a means to nurture young talent and provide them with opportunities to develop their skills.

However, the reality is often starkly different.

Many academies operate without proper oversight, leading to a breeding ground for exploitation.

Coaches and administrators — some of whom taunt their old and tired legacies of being football players at national level, motivated by profit rather than the development of young players, have taken advantage of the system.

Parents invest their hard-earned money into these academies, hoping to secure a brighter future for their children. Unfortunately, many find themselves victims of deceit.

Promises of overseas trips where scouts are promised, professional contracts and scholarships often turn out to be empty, leaving families in financial ruin.

The emotional toll on both parents and players is immense, as dreams are shattered and trust is broken. Do you remember those young men who got stuck in Dubai for weeks?

The abuse of young players in the name of soccer development is a grave concern.

Reports of physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse within some academies have emerged, painting a disturbing picture of the environment young athletes are subjected to.

The lack of regulation and oversight allows such abuses to persist unchecked. Fifa's safeguarding guidelines emphasise the importance of protecting young players from harm.

They state that “the welfare of children is paramount” and that organisations must create safe environments for young athletes. Yet, in Zimbabwe, these guidelines are often ignored, and the vulnerable are left to fend for themselves.

It is imperative that all stakeholders, including parents, coaches, and governing bodies, adhere to these principles to ensure the safety and well-being of young players.

Where is the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) when all this is happening? Where do we turn to so we report all those abusers we are aware of?

Parents must remain vigilant and informed about the academies they choose for their children. It is crucial to conduct thorough research, ask questions, and seek recommendations from trusted sources.

Transparency should be a non-negotiable requirement; parents should demand to see the credentials of coaches and the academy's track record.

Moreover, parents should be wary of academies that prioritise profit over player development. If an academy is more focused on financial gain, as most are, than the welfare of its players, it is a major red flag.

The exploitation of young talent is often masked by flashy marketing and promises of success, but the reality can be far more insidious.

Some coaches, who also double as workers of some of the top schools dangle training at the elite school grounds so as to lure parents and bribe them in the face of being called out or asked for accountability.

Governing bodies, including Fifa and the Zimbabwe Football Association, must take responsibility for enforcing safeguarding measures.

This includes regular audits of academies and stringent licensing requirements.

Without proper oversight, the cycle of abuse and exploitation will continue. Fifa's guidelines are clear: “All members must ensure that children are protected and that their rights are respected”.

It is imperative that these guidelines are not merely words on paper but are actively implemented.

Training for coaches on safeguarding practices should be mandatory, and there should be a clear reporting mechanism for any incidents of abuse.

To those who seek to exploit young talent and fleece parents of their hard-earned money, this is a warning: your actions will not go unnoticed.

The tide is turning, and the voices of parents and players are becoming louder. The consequences of your actions extend beyond financial loss; they inflict lasting emotional and psychological damage on young boys who aspire to succeed in the sport.

The culture of silence that has allowed such abuses to persist is slowly being dismantled.

Parents are beginning to share their stories, and advocacy groups are raising awareness.

The time for accountability is now. If you are involved in the soccer ecosystem, your responsibility is to protect, nurture, and uplift young talent, not to exploit them for personal gain.

The future of Zimbabwean football hinges on the collective efforts of all stakeholders. It is essential to create an environment where young players can thrive without fear of exploitation or abuse.

This requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and safeguarding. Fifa's transitional committee has an opportunity to lead by example.

By prioritising the welfare of young players and implementing robust safeguarding measures, they can help restore faith in the system.

The focus should not only be on governance but also on creating a safe and nurturing environment for the next generation of footballers.

The deterioration of football governance in Zimbabwe is a complex issue that requires urgent attention.

The exploitation of young talent within academy soccer is a pressing concern that demands action from all stakeholders.

Parents must be vigilant, governing bodies must enforce safeguarding measures, and those who seek to exploit young players must be held accountable.

As we reflect on the current state of affairs, let us remember that the future of Zimbabwean football lies in the hands of the young boys who dream of greatness.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that their dreams are not shattered by greed and abuse.

The time for change is now, and it starts with a commitment to safeguarding the future of our young athletes.

Until then, we are blessed to be a blessing (#B2BAB). We were here, becoming better, making our mark, and leaving our footprint as we make the world a better place!

  • Chirenje writes in her capacity as a citizen of Zimbabwe. Follow her on social media for more Lifezone with Grace conversations on Twitter: @graceruvimbo; Facebook: Grace Ruvimbo Chirenje; Instagram: @graceruvimbo