Peter Ndlovu and Premier League greats named Zimbabwe ambassadors

Premier League greats Peter Ndlovu, Bruce Grobbelaar and Benjani Mwaruwaru have been decorated as Zimbabwe football ambassadors, hoping they could help raise the country’s football profile on the global stage.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) announced the appointment of Ndlovu, Grobbelaar, Mwaruwaru and Nomsa Moyo as official ZIFA Ambassadors on Wednesday.

Team Manager and African footballing legend Peter Ndlovu is a player who has played for the likes of @SheffieldUnited, @Coventry_City, @BCFC and Mamelodi Sundowns👆

Listen to what he has to say about #AfricaDay#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/j2uhE86JJv

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 25, 2020

Grobbelaar made history as the first African footballer to win the UEFA Champions League, then called the European Cup, with Liverpool FC in 1984, thrilling crowds with his antics between the sticks in a career spanning over a decade with the Premier League holders.

The goalkeeping legend made 628 appearances for Liverpool between 1981 and 1994, adding to his resume a collection of six English league titles, three FA cups, three League cups, and the 1983–84 European Cup.

On the other hand, Ndlovu was the first African to play in the then rebranded English League in August 1992 after signing for Coventry City FC, before becoming the first from the continent to score in the league. The former Warriors striker works as Mamelodi Sundowns team manager in South Africa.

Mwaruwari, too, was the last top Zimbabwean striker to grace the fields of the Premier League at the turn of the century, starting off with Portsmouth FC then other clubs most notably Manchester City.

How Zimbabwe FA arrived at the choice of the ex-Premier League stars

In a statement, ZIFA says its executive committee arrived at the decision to seek the help of the legends to help raise Zimbabwe’s football profile.

“Endorsed at the Executive Committee meeting held on 2 November 2025, this landmark initiative celebrates their outstanding contribution to the beautiful game and entrusts them with representing Zimbabwean football on the global stage,” ZIFA statement reads.

“As Ambassadors, they will serve as role models and advocates–inspiring the next generation, promoting football development, and showcasing Zimbabwe’s football story to the world.

ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi explained the rationale behind the recognition of the Premier League greats.

“Peter, Bruce, Benjani and Nomsa are symbols of what is possible when talent meets dedication and national pride. We are truly honoured to have them represent our football family,” he said.

Moyo is among Zimbabwe’s pioneer women footballers.

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