The Sunday Mail
Sports Editor
ZIFA are keen to maximise on the Warriors’ blockbuster 2022 World Cup qualifier against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and have engaged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to have some fans for the clash at the National Sports Stadium.
The Warriors will begin their quest for a place at the Qatar World Cup showcase with a home tie against Bafana Bafana on September 3 in what should be an emotive showdown.
It will be the first time the Warriors and Bafana Bafana will be meeting at the same venue since the July 9, 2000 disaster that claimed the lives of 13 Zimbabwean fans following a stampede.
Though fans remain banned at sporting events in many countries, including Zimbabwe, CAF have been giving waivers of up to 50 percent capacity to member associations that successfully apply.
It has emerged that ZIFA have taken a crack at the possibility of having fans for the massive encounter against South Africa, which is set to attract huge interest in the two countries and across the continent.
ZIFA board member (competitions) Sugar Chagonda yesterday confirmed that the association had engaged CAF seeking permission to allow 10 000 fans for the match.
“It is true that we have taken it upon ourselves to engage CAF to have our 12th man for the start of our 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.
“We believe we owe it to our fans who have stood by us all the time to try and get at least 10 000 of them allowed for the match,” said Chagonda.
“Were it not for Covid-19, we know this match would have easily attracted a full house given that the Warriors and Bafana Bafana have a great rivalry that has been spiced up by the fact that a good number of our top players ply their trade in the South African Premiership.
“Even some of those who have gone on to play in other leagues such as captain Knowledge Musona graced the SA league.”
Engaging CAF, he said, was the first step before they approach the Government.
He, however, implored football fans to help ZIFA’s cause by getting vaccinated.
“Once we get the necessary approval from CAF, we will it take it up to Government through the relevant structures, which is the Sports and Recreation Commission and the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.
“In the meantime, we urge our supporters to get vaccinated.
“We are looking at having at least 10 000 of them allowed and it is prudent that our supporters do not leave it until the last minute to get vaccinated.
“Should we get the permission, we will only consider those that are fully vaccinated.”
ZIFA, Chagonda said, were among associations granted permission by Government to stage their international competitions.
“Of course, in applying for permission, we will also obviously remain guided by the health protocols that have been put in place and which we are following.
“But we believe that such massive encounters like the one between the Warriors and Bafana Bafana do not come every day onto our doorsteps, and when they do, we need as a country to fully maximise on such an occasion.
“This game is also a platform to market Zimbabwe considering the huge interest around it not just in Zimbabwe and South Africa, but around Africa and the world at large.
“Sport tourism is growing in leaps and bounds, and we believe such a big event should not be viewed as a mere ZIFA assignment but big business opportunity for our country. And no doubt the fans will add the much-needed colour,’’ he said.
Twenty-one years might have passed since disaster unfolded during a 2002 World Cup qualifier between the two neighbouring countries, but Chagonda believes allowing some fans in the upcoming encounter could help heal the scars of one of the country’s biggest sporting disasters.
Warriors caption Knowledge Musona and his talented teammates such as Kaizer Chiefs talisman Khama Billiat, Tino Kadewere, Tendayi Darikwa and Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba are tipped to triumph over Bafana Bafana this time around and avenge the two defeats in 2000.
