Story by Mthokozisi Dube
Football agents have been implored to put players interests in negotiating contracts for their clients.
The off season is a time for players to change clubs and refresh while for some it’s a chance to get a better contract.
World over, the transfer season brings excitement however the situation is different in Zimbabwe and has largely been marred by chaos.
Former football administrators believe agents are putting their interests ahead of the players they represent.
Former Chicken Inn FC treasurer Mlungisi Moyo said, “This whole player agent initiative is not a new thing. It is something that is necessary as some of these players, because of their level of education, cannot negotiate for themselves. We however feel nowadays it is now all about self-aggrandisement as agents push players to clubs with the financial muscle which may not even suit the player’s type of play and future. In all their dealings, player agents need to consider all this as this also affects club player development. We feel clubs should have a recruitment policy where players are allowed to move based on their readiness.”
Former Highlanders chairman Peter Dube weighed in, “These agents are now a problem to the development of local football. We have seen some even going for contracted players, convincing them to move on. This is uncalled for. We agree they play a huge part, but they need to be ethical in their conduct.”
“We are like a cursed country. Player agents are acting unprofessionally, enriching themselves without considering future consequences for player movements. We don’t know what needs to be done, but something should be done,” noted the chairman of the Zimbabwe Saints Football Club board of trustees, Vincent Pamire.
Modern football has seen the emergence of player agents who ensure their clients are valued through negotiating and sourcing suitable transfers or contract extension deals for their player clients.
