ANY professional in their trade will take it as a low-blow if their art and skill are being thrown into question.
ENOCK MUCHINJO
Reputation is hard-earned, and sportsmen are no exception to feeling undermined by unfair criticism.
If playing in two of the best football leagues in the world cannot earn you the respect of your home country’s football fans, then spare a thought for Tino Kadewere.
It seems patience has finally run out for Tino. Emerging this week to vent on social media about his treatment at the hands of Zimbabwean football fans – tongue-in-cheek – the Nantes forward hinted he could quit international football in the wake of unending criticism over his scoring record for the Warriors.
So, depending on the Warriors’ performance against South Africa and Lesotho in this month’s World Cup qualifiers, we could see the last of a 28-year-old French Ligue 1 player who now feels unappreciated by his number 122-Fifa ranked country.
I despise threats, especially when they appear like a whole nation is being made to give in to a sulking individual.
But I do not believe that this is the spirit with which Kadewere has issued this subtle “threat” to walk out on a national team he has so loyally served ever since he was given the opportunity nearly a decade ago.
His post, for me and I’m sure many others, is a cry for love, which Kadewere hasn’t always received from the majority of Warriors fans.
I should be honest and say that I will not stick my neck out to include Tino in even my second-string all-time Warriors XI.
There are quite a few no-brainers for me, however, when it comes to the people that are chosen to represent this country – a bleeding nation that has long been battling to restore its former glory and pride.
On any given day, I’ll side with somebody like Tino Kadewere, an elite sportsman who is sensitive to the feelings of the supporters of his national team, because it shows he does care a lot about what he delivers and the impact it makes. I’ll take his side ahead of somebody, with all the talent in the world, who however displays a contemptuous attitude towards the badge.
Wishing Tino and the Warriors the very best against the Likuena and Bafana next week. Long may their international careers last.
