Shadreck Mlauzi Biography & Profile
Shadreck Mlauzi is a Zimbabwean football manager and teacher. He achieved fame after he coached Zimbabwe’s women’s national football team, the Mighty Warriors, at their first appearance at the Summer Olympics in 2016. This biography provides an overview of Shadreck Mlauzi’s life, career, awards as well and controversies.
Age & Date of Birth
Shadreck Mlauzi was born on January 6, 1980 which means that he is 43 years old as of 2023.
Education
Mlauzi pursued his academic journey in sports science at Zimbabwe Open University, where he honed his understanding of athletic performance and physical education. His academic qualifications include a CAF B Licence, a degree in Physical Education, and various sports science certifications.
Coaching Career
Shadreck Mlauzi stepped into the limelight as the coach of Zimbabwe’s women’s national football team, the Mighty Warriors, leading them to their inaugural appearance at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This historic achievement solidified his status as the only coach to guide a Zimbabwean team to a global football tournament.
He continued his coaching tenure by presiding over the 2016 Africa Cup of Nations Games finals in Cameroon, showcasing his commitment to fostering excellence in women’s football.
Post-Olympics, Mlauzi remained an active figure in Zimbabwean football, serving as an assistant coach for various national teams, including Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe U-20, Zimbabwe U-23, and the Zimbabwe Women’s team. His involvement and dedication to nurturing talent and guiding teams persisted despite challenges encountered during his career.
Achievements and Challenges
Despite the successes on the field, Mlauzi faced challenges and discontentment within the football administration. He vocalized concerns regarding inadequate recognition and remuneration for the achievements made by the Mighty Warriors at the 2016 Olympics. His efforts to receive due compensation met with hurdles, including legal battles with the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) for outstanding bonuses, reflecting a discordant note in his coaching journey.
Shadreck Mlauzi going to court [Image Credit: Lee Maidza/The Herald]
Recent Controversy: 2023 Arrest after Allegations of Indecent Assault
In October 2023, Shadreck Mlauzi found himself embroiled in a legal dispute following disturbing allegations of indecent assault made against him by a female staff member during the COSAFA Women’s Championship in South Africa. The accusations presented a stark contrast to his prior achievements in football coaching and sent shockwaves through the sporting community.
Alleged Incidents and Legal Proceedings
The complaints outlined a series of troubling incidents that reportedly occurred during the team’s stay at Pandari Lodge in Glen Lorne and throughout their time in South Africa. The female staff member accused Mlauzi of inappropriate behaviour, including making unwelcome advances and inappropriate physical contact.
- First Incident: On September 26, Mlauzi allegedly requested the staff member to visit his room under the guise of providing a training program. Subsequently, he allegedly attempted to forcibly kiss her, requested intimate massages, and made unwelcome advances, which she declined.
- Subsequent Encounters: Further incidents were reported during their stay in South Africa, where Mlauzi allegedly persisted in requesting the staff member’s presence in his room for massages and made unwarranted physical advances, including grabbing her buttocks.
Legal Proceedings and Bail
Upon returning to Zimbabwe, the female staff member lodged a formal complaint with the authorities, leading to Mlauzi’s arrest and subsequent appearance in court. The charges of indecent assault prompted legal proceedings against the coach, and he was remanded in custody until a scheduled bail hearing.
Following his appearance before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda, Mlauzi was granted bail amounting to US$300.
Impact on Football and Investigations
The allegations not only cast a shadow over Mlauzi’s career but also raised concerns about the safety and well-being of female staff and athletes within the sport. Both the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) pledged to conduct independent investigations to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
Reports suggested dissatisfaction among the staff member and the public regarding the handling of the situation by ZIFA, particularly concerning Mlauzi’s proximity to the staff member during their stay in South Africa despite the ongoing investigation.
References
- Nyakwenda, Langton. (25 December 2022). “Mlauzi remains bitter, but . . .” The Sunday Mail.
- Chingoma, Grace. (23 September 2023). “Mlauzi back as Mighty Warriors coach” The Herald.
- The Soccer24 Staff. (23 September 2023). “Mlauzi named Mighty Warriors coach” Soccer24.
- Aarons, Ed. (17 October 2023). “Zimbabwe women’s football coach in custody after indecent assault claim” The Guardian.
- Mpini, Siyabonga. (October 18, 2023). “Mighty Warriors Coach Shadreck Mlauzi In Court For Indecently Grabbing A Technical Staff Member” iHarare.
- Pindula News. (19 October 2023). “Mighty Warriors Coach Shadreck Mlauzi Granted Bail” The Zimbabwean.
