ZIMBABWEANS have expressed mixed feelings over Kirsty Coventry’s historic election as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), according to AFP. While her appointment is hailed as a milestone for both Zimbabwe and Africa, critics at home are raising concerns about her record as the country’s sports minister.
Coventry, 41, was elected on Thursday as the IOC’s first African, first woman, and youngest-ever president. The Olympic swimming legend, who contributed seven of Zimbabwe’s eight Olympic medals, has now taken on the most powerful role in international sport.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa led the celebrations, saying, ‘We are very happy as Zimbabwe. It is an achievement. Above all, she deserves it. She has done a lot and highly qualifies for that position.’
National pride for an Olympic hero
The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee praised Coventry’s achievement, calling her election ‘a moment of immense pride for Zimbabwe and Africa’. Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi echoed the sentiment in a social media post, highlighting Coventry’s ‘unwavering dedication, leadership, and passion for sport’.
On the streets of Harare, residents like Primrose Kazunza told AFP the win brought hope to a nation long isolated by economic hardship. ‘She has lifted our flag high because Zimbabwe is often seen as a rejected country,’ Kazunza said.
Despite the country’s ongoing economic crisis, Coventry’s personal achievements have struck a chord. Her previous roles as IOC Athletes Commission chairperson (2018–2021) and her reputation as an athlete played a key role in her IOC victory.
Critics question Coventry’s ministerial record
However, not all Zimbabweans are celebrating. Coventry’s tenure as Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation, a role she has held since 2018, has drawn sharp criticism. Many say she failed to revitalise Zimbabwean sport, particularly for disadvantaged communities.
Sports journalist Steve Vickers pointed out that the national sports stadium remains closed for renovations since 2023. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had already banned the venue in 2021 for failing to meet international standards, and no progress has been made to lift the ban.
Leopold Munhende, editor of Bhora Afrika, argued that Coventry focused on sports favoured by Zimbabwe’s elite—such as rugby, cricket, and swimming—while ignoring more popular disciplines like football. ‘The ordinary person in the ghetto benefited nothing and expects nothing,’ Munhende told AFP. ‘Coventry was thrown into management before she had time to build enough experience.’
Frustration over soccer team displacement
In Bulawayo, soccer fan Marshall Muzamindo shared his frustration with AFP, blaming Coventry for the national soccer team being forced to play home games in neighbouring countries due to stadium closures. ‘While I am happy for Coventry, her role as sports minister has been disastrous,’ he said. He also criticised her for being part of what he described as ‘an inept and corrupt regime’.
Hope Chizuzu, a sports journalist and football administrator, argued that Coventry’s position as minister had little bearing on her IOC appointment. ‘Ministers here are political figureheads,’ Chizuzu said, adding that Coventry’s IOC role should be evaluated separately from her government duties.
A milestone for Africa and the Global South
Despite the criticism, many agree that Coventry’s appointment is a major step for Africa in global sports administration. Analyst Lyton Ncube told AFP that Coventry’s election demonstrates that ‘there is agency in the global South’. He expressed confidence that, with the right support, Coventry can lead the IOC into a new era of sporting excellence.
As Coventry takes on her new role, she faces the challenge of uniting the Olympic movement while addressing skepticism at home. For many in Zimbabwe, her presidency represents both national pride and a reminder of the challenges the country still faces in sports development.
