The Sunday News
Talking Sport
THIS weekend, Zimbabwean football will begin yet another quest to be among Africa’s best when our beloved Warriors take on Tanzania in an African Cup of Nations, first round, and first leg match at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
As is common knowledge the Nations Cup is the ultimate prize in continental football and a regular appearance at that tournament lays a strong foundation for a country to secure one of only five slots reserved for Africa at the World Cup.
It is this imperative that our Warriors become a regular feature at the Nations Cup and admittedly just two appearances in our 34-year history of Independence is not a good return for a country that is endowed with so much talent in football.
In fact, the success story of football worldwide can never be complete without mentioning the pivotal role played by private and public corporate entities, Government and the fans with the State also providing an enabling environment through laws, policies, security and underwriting some of the costs involved in the successful running of the game.
Having gone through a forgettable period where our football took a huge slump, it is important to move from that ugly past together as one nation.
Now that the present football leadership has shown strides in accountability and transparency by ensuring that all Zifa finances are made public, there is a need for Government, corporate and fans to rally behind Zifa and make the African Cup of Nations dream a reality.
In order to fulfil the journey to Morocco 2015, Zifa have to part with over $200 000 per match to cover for air tickets, allowances, accommodation and other logistics.
With Zifa still in a precarious financial position and that issue now a matter of public record, I believe the association needs the support from everyone and it is my special appeal to the Government, the fans and the corporate citizens to come on board and support.
I am fully conscious of the liquidity crunch that is constraining Government and companies but I believe any small donation will climax into one big ball of assistance that will ensure our Warriors have a smooth and successful campaign to Morocco.
Zifa is the only federation whose national flagship team has no sponsorship, which is clear testimony that it’s now high time we take stock of ourselves as a nation that still believes in football as its biggest sport and a major source of employment.
The Warriors are not Zifa’s property; they are a national project for which the association is tasked with administering on behalf of all Zimbabweans.
I am yearning for a time when corporates would jostle for strategic positioning for the success of the Warriors. There is no advertising bigger than through football and partnering the Warriors could enhance mileage and result in their growth and prosperity.
Government should also take into cognisance that the Warriors brand can also contribute positively to the success of Zim Asset through football tourism, hence funding this flagship football team should be given priority. It is my humble opinion that for sports tourism to bear dividends, football as a mass code and Warriors as an international brand, has to be fully funded.
Zifa cannot do it alone without the support of its fellow citizens.
While I am also fully aware of the watchdog role of the media, I believe it is high time the media and football re-engage each other since both organisations have a lot to gain by working together than fighting each other.
The Warriors are our national brand and so are the Mighty Warriors, the Young Warriors and the Young Mighty Warriors.
Consequently, by supporting Warriors, as citizens we will be doing our duty as patriotic Zimbabweans united under one common cause.
It would, therefore, be good for the nation if all its sons and daughters bury the hatchet, work together hand in hand in defence of the nation’s pride.
“Together we stand and divided we fall”.
Go Warriors Go.
Xolisani Gwesela is the Communications Manager for the Zimbabwe Football Association. He can be contacted on +263 772 433 939 <tel: 263 20772 20433 20939>. e-mail address [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> .
