Controversy Erupts Over Zimbabwe Warriors Physiotherapy Appointment

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) faces severe criticism for appointing Lenon Gwara as the Warriors' physiotherapist despite his lack of necessary qualifications and registration, raising concerns about the safety and welfare of the players​.

photo: The STANDARD. Gwara is a VTCT European qualified specialist sports masseur who is also registered with the local practicing board MRCZ.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is facing severe criticism for hiring Simba Bhora medic Lenon Gwara as the physiotherapist for the national football team, the Warriors, despite his lack of necessary qualifications and registration with the Medical Rehabilitation Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (MRPCZ).

Gwara, who describes himself as a "sports specialist in massage, electro-therapy, diet and nutrition, and fitness and exercise," was hired alongside Shamva-based Premier Soccer League side’s goalkeepers coach, Zwanayi Gwara. This appointment has sparked outrage among qualified physiotherapists, who accuse Gwara of misrepresenting his credentials. According to MRPCZ regulations, practicing physiotherapists must be registered, even if their training occurred outside Zimbabwe.

Broader Context of Physiotherapist Qualifications

In Europe, physiotherapists must meet stringent educational and professional standards. Typically, this includes obtaining a degree in physiotherapy from an accredited institution, followed by registration with a national regulatory body. For instance, in the United Kingdom, physiotherapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice legally. The HCPC ensures that practitioners meet high standards of education, training, and professional skills.

Similarly, in the United States, physiotherapists, known as physical therapists, must hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). They must also be licensed in the state where they practice. This rigorous process ensures that physical therapists possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care.

Concerns Over ZIFA's Hiring Practices

The controversy began when Simba Bhora announced the appointment on their Facebook page, leading to a backlash from professionals in the field. "And yet Mr Gwara isn't a registered physiotherapist," one commenter pointed out, while another questioned, "Physiotherapist? Registered where? This is a protected title and can result in the regulating council taking legal action."

This issue has highlighted the broader problems within The Zimbabwe Football Association, including frequent internal conflicts and poor decision-making. The normalisation committee's decision to employ Gwara without verifying his qualifications has raised concerns about the safety and welfare of the players, especially with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa on June 7 and 11

Efforts to obtain comments from ZIFA representatives have been unsuccessful, further intensifying the scrutiny on the organisation. The physiotherapists have called for immediate action from the Medical Rehabilitation Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe to prevent unqualified individuals from endangering public safety.

The Importance of Stringent Verification Processes

This development underscores the need for stringent verification processes and transparent hiring practices within sports organisations to ensure the welfare of athletes and maintain professional standards. Clubs and sports associations globally are encouraged to adopt rigorous checks similar to those in Europe and the United States to avoid such controversies and safeguard player health.

The ZIFA saga serves as a reminder of the critical importance of adhering to professional standards and regulatory requirements in sports medicine and physiotherapy, ensuring that only qualified and registered professionals are entrusted with the care of athletes.

source: The Standard