The Sunday Mail
Government has thrown its weight behind the Warriors’ bid to qualify for the 2015 African Cup of Nations saying the team will fulfil all its fixtures
The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Andrew Langa, disclosed that Zifa have since handed over the qualification programme to the State and are expecting financial assistance.
“Zifa have given us their programme through the Sports and Recreation Commission and as Government we are committed to lending our support to the team,” he said.
“As the responsible minister, I will be approaching Treasury with a view to coming up with a plan to support the senior national football team.
“Although the logistics are being worked on, I can safely assure the nation that the national team will fulfil all its fixtures.”
Ahead of this year’s African Nations Championship finals in South Africa, Government gave the Warriors US$88 000 for camping purposes and a further US$50 000 for player bonuses.
Langa believes the Warriors’ strong showing at Chan, where they finished fourth, inspired confidence in a corporate world that seems allergic to doing business with the ever-bungling Zifa.
The lack of professionalism and corporate governance at 53 Livingstone Avenue has seen most companies shying away from getting into bed with Zifa.
However, Langa reckons a Government and Zifa-driven charm offensive can woo the sponsors back.
“The boys flew our flag high at Chan; they proved they have what it takes to square up against some of the best teams on the continent.
“On the back of that success, we believe the corporate world will appreciate the need to support the team so that our flag will also be hoisted at the Afcon finals in Morocco next year.”
Funding challenges have often choked the country’s quest for continental football success at both club and national team level. With about two weeks to go before the Warriors’ next assignment, it remains to be seen whether Government and Zifa are not already behind schedule in terms of preparations for the Warriors. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!
