DYNAMOS FC legend Murape Murape has publicly challenged the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) over its current fee structure for football academies.
Under the existing requirements, academies are reportedly required to pay an initial US$3 000 registration fee, followed by an annual renewal cost of US$2 000.
Drawing a sharp comparison to the systems used in neighbouring South Africa, Murape characterised the Zimbabwean model as a step backward for the sport.
In a statement shared via his Facebook page yesterday, the former captain argued that these high costs serve as a major roadblock to discovering new talent.
“The current Zifa registration fee of US$3 000 and an annual fee of US$2000 for football academies are creating significant hurdles. This stands in stark contrast to South Africa's progressive model: Category 1 (Full Compliance): R5 000 Rands, Category 2 (Partial Compliance): R2 500 and Category 3 (Development Centres): R1 000,” he said.
Murape emphasised that the financial burden effectively shuts out the very people the association should be trying to reach.
“As a passionate advocate for football development, I implore Zifa to reconsider these exorbitant fees. They risk pricing out the very communities football is meant to uplift,” he added.
The former DeMbare star highlighted that the stakes go beyond the pitch, noting that football serves as a vital social lifeline for Zimbabwean youth.
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“Football is a powerful tool; it keeps our youth in school, off drugs, off the streets, and instills hope for a brighter future,” he said.
Murape also pointed out that the grassroots level is held together by mentors who work for little to no pay, and that the current fees threaten their ability to operate legally.
“Are we compromising accessibility for the sake of revenue? Community heroes are dedicating their lives to developing our children. In five, 10, or 15 years, these young talents and their mentors deserve to benefit from their hard work. Without formal registration, they stand to lose everything,” he lamented.
Warning of a long-term decline in the quality of the national game, Murape called for an immediate policy shift.
“Zifa, please revisit these fees and champion the future of Zimbabwean football. Our youth deserves this!”
Currently, Murape serves as a football coach at Heritage School and has been head of technical for the Spanish club Real Oviedo FC affiliated Real Oviedo Zimbabwe academy since last year.
