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Zimbabweans back Ndlovu on SA move
Zimbabwe's football team captain Peter Ndlovu was reported in a South African magazine as having applied for citizenship in that country. His spokesman later issued a statement suggesting he had in fact applied for "residency", which means he still remains a Zimbabwean citizen. It seems most of you support his move. Below are some of your comments
Editor - We must understand that Peter has a life too. What’s there in Zimbabwe for him? Everyone wants to be a citizen of a better country and Peter is no exception to that rule.
His decision is
good for him and his family.
Japhet and Lungile
Editor - I do not see anything wrong with Peter taking up RSA citizenship. I stand to be corrected, the Mugeyi's did it as well as Norman Mapeza and there was no fuss raised about it. Peter has done so much for the Zimbabwe National Team as an individual more than any other player to date and should have called it quits long back to pave way for young players. But unfortunately there are few youngsters who are good enough to fill the vacuum.
Peter's decision
must be respected notwithstanding the fact that his family interests
are more paramount than what you and me think. At the rate at which
the country is going down, you will see many foreign based players opting
to change nationalities. Zvave kutonyadzisa kuti ndinobve ku Zimbabwe.
Mhofu
Editor - You are
just a bunch of sick puppies. You are not in Zimbabwe yourselves, talk
about hypocrisy! I moved to California 5 years ago and anyone with the
chance to do so can and will. So do not be on your high horse and try
to make issue when you are living the UK.
Moyo N
Editor - I think
Peter should still be the captain of the Zimbabwe. But if the Zimbabwean
authorities are not happy with that, he might as well do like Tonderai.
The situation in Zimbabwe leaves people with no option but to use every
chance they get to get out and out forever. Politics is spilling into
everything .From soccer to almost every social gathering. I can guess
even Peter is like any other professional who left Zimbabwe to better
areas. If churches can flee inflation to first world countries, then
a soccer player should do likewise.
Jameson Nare
| "Peter has taken the worst decision of his career by dumping his own country where he was taught how to kick the ball" |
| POTRICO MCCLEISH |
Editor - I think
Peter's bid to be a South African is good enough for him. It may be
Zimbabwe's loss, but at the end of the day, what matters in life is
what is important to you personally. And I think personal priorities
should rank higher than national priorities, although politicians always
want to paint a different picture.
You may want to know that there are many Zimbabweans out here who will
acquire foreign citizenship given the chance. There is a hope that the
laws will again change to allow dual citizenship for Zimbabweans. In
New Zealand here, the qualifying criteria is simple - Three years of
lawful crime-free unbroken stay for those who were granted permanent
residence permits before April 21 this year, otherwise it is now five
years.
So, I say good
on him for applying for it. I hope he will get it without a problem.
And I hope everyone who applies for a foreign passport elsewhere gets
it. Those foreign passports are more important than our green one which
is treated with suspicion each time you produce it during travels.
Patrick Mlambo
New Zealand
Editor - What's
there to be proud of about Zimbabwe anyway? It's living with corruption
under your nose and smiling at it because you can’t do anything
about it. I call for everyone to boycott Zimbabwe and leave Mugabe and
his cronies alone in their country they fought for. I would do the same
as Peter, boycott the motherland.
T Gonty
Editor – Peter
has taken the worst decision of his career by dumping his own country
where he was taught how to kick the ball. He now seems himself as a
big guy. He was not supposed to apply for citizenship. Instead, it should
be his wife, Sharon, who must be applying for Zimbabwean citizenship.
There is no way he can be captain of the national team, he shows that
he doesn’t care about the country’s future in football.
I expected him to be coach of the Warriors one day.
Portrico McCleish
Editor - Anyone who decides to dump their citizenship in favour of a foreign one should not represent any Zimbabwean team, or interests - be it home, Africa or anywhere abroad, period. The person is not proud of their heritage and where they come from. Why should they be allowed to carry a flag of a country whose identity embarrasses them one way or the other? The British or the Americans are proud of their identity, citizenry and countries, despite how the world might view them otherwise.
Upholding one's
citizenship status is a matter of importance and pride. You should be
proud of who you are, where you come from, your background and most
importantly your identity. Your citizenship is one's true identity and
the action being taken by Ndlovu proves otherwise. He is not proud of
his background, who he is and where he comes from. He has been enjoying
all these successes both home and abroad on a Zimbabwean identity. Why
should we then welcome him into our Zimbabwean team and be our captain
or ambassador if he is not proud of his true identity? Otherwise, he
would not have considered this new move. Let someone who has the pride
of his nation lead the team and do us proud. The other thing, changing
one's citizenship into a new foreign one does not make you a part of
that society; neither will it make you be fully accepted or embraced
by them. At the end of it all, you will soon discover that it would
have been best to retain one's true identity and saved oneself a lot
of pain, rejection heartache and ridicule. Fame comes and goes and so
do stars. Once the fame runs out, what is going to become of Peter Ndlovu
or anyone like him? In order to know where you are going, one needs
to remember where they come from!!!!!
Touche
Editor – Well,
many Zimbos abroad have applied for citizenship and I guess if it’s
in his best interests, good luck Peter.
Robert Ndlovu
New York
Editor - A very
good move. All Zimbabweans given the chance can apply for SA citizenship.
Simba Masara
Editor - Let the man go in peace. He is 32 years old and quite frankly he is still the Zimbabwean Captain because the coach is scared to be bold enough to bench Peter. Let the man rest. He has done a lot for Zimbabwe, we are grateful. It is time for new blood. In other countries they retire their national team players at 25 years of age at the most.
Zimbabwe must start
looking for a new captain amongst the younger players. After all the
under 17, 19 and 21 teams seem to have done quite well in the past couple
of years. All that is left now is a “Thank you Peter” memorial
match and the man will be free to stay and live wherever he wants.
Well done Peter.
VaMudhara
Editor - Peter has the right to go and stay with his lovely wife. The very silly law makers in the cabinet of Mr Mugabe are guilty of changing or holding dual citizenship. The only thing is that you do not know them. Kuruneri has me been found out. Investigate and you will find that TIRI KUTONGWA NEMA FOREIGNERS.
Ndlovu will justify
why he is doing that. He has given his best to Zimbabwe while the same
leaders are busy destroying the country, including misusing the foreign
currency that he has been bringing to Zimbabwe since he went to England.
Who is Peter to keep loyalty when others are destroying? Let him go
in peace I beg you Let Him Go. I would suggest the same for all the
teachers. After all why all the fuss when he has been told that they
are no longer interested in him in the team.
Lewis
Editor – Personally, I see nothing wrong with Peter Ndlovu obtaining a South African citizenship, who in his/her right mind will want to live in Zimbabwe and starve to death at this point? Let’s not try to blame Peter for useless things, how many of us are out of Zimbabwe today and are now residents or citizens of other countries?
Even you Mr Sports
Editor as we speak now you are in England, to better up yourself right?
So let Peter do the same thing too, under the United Nations charter
every person has a right to change his/her citizen to an country he/she
likes but will not lose the origins of the original country were they
were born.
Peter Ndlovu has done his part for the nation since he was 18 years,
he felt it's time to move on and open doors for the new generation,
therefore I applaud him for his wise move, at least he does not want
to cling to power like our once beloved president.
Tkzee
Toronto, Canada
Editor - I have
checked with sources here, truth of the matter is Peter has applied
for permanent residence which is different from a citizenship. Like
most Zimbos here Peter will still be a Zimbabwean Citizen but have a
South African Resident status, which means he does not need a work permit
to work here in whatever capacity. He will still be travelling on a
Zimbabwean Passport and therefore will still be a Zimbabwean. Please
bear in mind that the SA media often mixes up the two.
Georginah Machiridza
Editor - It is his
right to choose where he should belong. He is free to belong anywhere.
As for Zimbabwe, there is a David waiting to be discovered in the bushes
of Tsholotsho and Dande.
Bend
Editor - There is
nothing ominous, menacing and baleful about Peter`s actions and am absolutely
sure that his time and career with the national duty was almost hitting
reinforced concrete. Nobody can object to the fact that he has scribbled
himself a piece of history in football. It’s only that his chosen
path of cutting ties with the national team will label him a cowardly
and unpatriotic if ever the allegations are true judging from the fact
that the same magazine (Kick Off) has always been using the words citizenship
and permanent residence interchangeably.
Oliver Mtyambizi
UK
| "Would have done the same given the opportunity" |
| SHAINAI MUFIRI |
Editor - Though Peter’s move is designed to enable him to be a regular at Mamelodi, but as he will cease being a Zimbabwean Citizen, there will be no point in him being captain. Yes, he is still Zimbabwean but I believe the captaincy should be maintained by somebody who is not afraid of being identified with his country. Very soon Peter will be concentrating on club football and probably retirement and thus is preparing for that. We have able players to take up the arm-band and that should be the point now. Rather if Peter is man enough, he should simply resign as captain and concentrate on being just a player.
These are just
my thoughts and obviously people will beg to differ.
Keep up the good work.
Bret
Editor - Would have
done the same given the opportunity.
Shainai Mufiri
Editor - That’s
his decision, and it has nothing to do with anybody. He works to feed
his family not Zimbabwe. There are very few people who are proud to
be Zimbabweans. I think we should stop commenting on other people's
personal life and concentrate on ourselves because there is no more
us. One man for himself and God for us all!
Alfred
UK
Editor - The man
has the right to live where ever he wants. As to whether he should continue
to play for Zimbabwe I think it would be odd for a South African passport
holder to play for Zimbabwe, but Peter is slowly approaching the end
of his career as a player but as an administrator, Zim can hire him
as a foreigner if they need his service.
V Ndlovu
University of Botswana
Department of Chemistry
Editor - If all
of us get the chance, we should dump Zimbabwe and take up other citizenships.
Bright Kondo
Editor - We just
hope that politicians will not go and threaten him for being unpatriotic.
Considering his past experiences with the national team, Peter must
have a good reason for his move. We know one is going to sweet-talk
him to reverse his decision and next morning we will read him denying
these allegations. If it comes out to be like that then let him continue
with his captains and then relieve him basing on his subsequent performances.
Mutsigiri
Editor - I think
he has done the best move. How great is that? End of the day he needs
food on his table not a token of BEING ZIMBABWEAN and starve. It helps
his for his future, being a South African than a Zimbabwean today. I
would like to say all the best to Peter.
Tiaeelco Vandestadt
Editor - Well, I
think it is a good move for Peter, when you look at it, Peter is almost
at the retirement stage and it is time to move on. He has got investments
in South Africa and remember he has got about 4 kids from different
mothers who needs maintenance, can he do that back home? Good shot Peter.
Lloyd Nyajeka
Harare
Editor - Peter is free to choose what citizenship he pleases like any other person in the world as clearly stated in the UN charter that any individual has a right to change citizenship.
Peter is right,
I don’t see it as treason, what treason? What’s so amazing
and extra special about Zimbabwe? Jealous and envy is the order of day
with some Zimbabweans who will always want people to stay loyal to a
country that segregate and oppresses its minority people. I say to you
Peter, all the best mfowethu. Okumhlophe kuwe.
Mthakathi
Editor - Of course
he won't remain our captain, I mean Zimbabwe's captain. It doesn't make
any difference though since Ndebeles live as second class citizens in
Zimbabwe. And the fact that he is now taking South African citizenship
makes me even happier. I am a Ndebele, so I consider myself South African
rather than Zimbabwean. Mugabe says so, so what's the deal. Viva South
Africa and to hell with Zimbabwe.
Canaan Ncube
Italy
Editor - Peter has
every right to make decisions which are favourable for him and his family's
welfare. Our Zimbabwe has been run down & almost everyone I know
is looking to get out to possibly seek citizenship or permanent residence
elsewhere. So, why not Peter if everyone is doing it?
Levison Hwaire
Editor - Peter Ndlovu
has his life to sort out just like any other progressive Zimbabwean,
including you Newzim.com guys. He has done a lot for this country but
what did he ever get apart from false praises through the so-called
patriotism. There is literary nothing in Zim right now which deserves
the services of any talent. In fact, this is long overdue - he should
have even applied for a British citizenship!! The only people who deserve
a stay here are the cronies and their master since they were born and
ordained to rule forever (havafi - vanodzinga rufu noruvoko).
Zabron Muyambo
Editor - Peter Ndlovu
is an independent person and who should be allowed to do what he likes.
Because he was captain of our national team does not mean he has no
choices in his life. He was captain because of his leadership qualities
and experience in the game of football, not because of patriotism or
anything like that. Given a choice especially these days who would not
want a SA citizenship? Let it be his choice. To me there is no big deal;
it's not a new thing. Peter go Warrior go and become an SA citizen,
it's your choice.
Kwaedza F Mwendamberi
Editor - It is not
only Peter who has sought greener pastures else but thousands of Zimbabweans,
I know of many Zimbabweans in the Diaspora who have applied for or been
granted citizenships in countries where they live. There is nothing
wrong in Peter doing that, what is wrong is that in Zimbabwe you can
not hold dual citizenship, if it was possible I believe that Peter was
not going to renounce his Zimbabwean citizenship.
Thulani Nkala
Editor - Peter is
old and is no longer playing competitive football even in the Zimbabwe
squad. He was now only a source of inspiration to the upcoming players
and at times being a liability to the team. I therefore think that his
move though not good for a once patriot icon, if it means his change
of fortune in career is good.
Matthew Musasa
Editor - I personally
think that there is nothing wrong in what Peter has done. Peter is a
citizen of the world and, as such, should be allowed to choose what
he thinks is best for him.
It should be noted that all progressive democracies allow for dual or
multiple citizenship.
Albert Dlamini
Editor - I think
Peter will not be given any preferential treatment by the Zimbabwean
soccer authorities as this will be in violation of the Zimbabwean law
and will lead to many other Zimbabwe players plying their trade in S/Africa
to follow suite. After all the Zimbabwean authorities may want to take
solace in the deterioration of Peter 's form and the fact that age is
fast catching up with him, otherwise barring him from the national team
will be a tough decision for the soccer authorities considering his
immense contribution and sacrifices to Zimbabwean football.
Lloyd Masiyambiri
Editor - It is his democratic right to choose what he feels is good for him and his family. My man we do not eat or survive on patriotism. For me that is the wisest decision a man like him can make given the immense contributions he has made to the country. Further to that he is almost a spend force and his departure will avail opportunities for young and upcoming footballers to captain our national team. Who said he will be a life captain? He is not a political dictator and in any case does nor dear to belong to the group of Zimbo dictators.
Thank you Peter
for having saved our nation this far!
Nsukhuzonge
| "I was born in that nation 26 yrs ago but I left when I was 17 yrs old and I now hold triple nationality for economic reasons" |
| COSMOS NDEBELE |
Editor - He can still play for Zimbabwe, provided he can match the forte of our current players.
The only problem
with Peter is achembera (he is now old). If Angel Cappa can afford to
put him on the bench, Mhlauri will have no problems.
Jadiel
Editor - I think with the current political situation at home, national pride is something that is being eroded quite easily these days. It is not surprising therefore that Peter has decided to become South African, which he is anyway, originally.
By applying for
South African citizenship Peter is simply formalising his nationality.
He has been a Zimbabwean captain for too long and its time to move on.
He plays football as a profession and his livelihood should come first
especially if the country he represents seems to be moving back and
not forth.
People should take pride in their nationality but if you have nothing
to show for that pride it becomes hollow arrogance.
Jiggydelasoul
Editor - I think Peter Ndlovu has looked at his life, his future and has seen his future has been messed by his country so would rather choose another country.
His children needs
a future and this is not catered for in Zimbabwe
Because Zimbabwe is not looking forward but East, but the rising sun's
glare is hindering his sight.
Let him choose a
country which has respect of every citizen and its laws. He will enjoy
his future and his life. Sometimes you cannot eat
Patriotism especially if it is defined by some zealots.
Mashie
Editor - I don’t
see anything wrong about Peter Ndlovu continuing as National Captain.
Michael Mariso
Mozambique
Editor - With what
is happening in Zimbabwe at the moment one can never blame Peter for
applying for SA citizenship. In fact I would advise Zimbabweans who
can to do the same. When a 'normal' government takes over in Zimbabwe
we can reclaim our citizenship. In any case most countries (including
South Africa) accept dual citizenships. Our outdated law which does
not allow dual citizenship will at some point be scrapped It is important
to remember that we don’t feed on 'patriotism' especially the
ZANU-PF version!
Joseph Bhekizwe Dlodlo
Editor - I react
with outrage on the recent bad comments against Peter Ndlovu's decision
to seek S.A citizenship that he deserves. What do you do when you come
from a country that has been turned into ruins? Sir I was born in that
nation 26 yrs ago but I left when I was 17 yrs old and I now hold triple
nationality for economic reasons and I see no reasons why Ndlovu mustn’t
do that. He hasn't said he hates Zim but clearly this guy has an SA
wife and has a right to make this decision based on what he thinks is
good for him. What’s the pride for playing for a country like
Zimbabwe, honestly?
Cosmos Ndebele
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