The Warriors begin their quest for glory at the Chan tournament with a clash against neighbours Zambia in Rwanda tomorrow.
Kalisto Pasuwa’s team left on Saturday for Rwanda, but the night before that they were hosted at a send-off dinner where Acting President Emerson Mnangagwa was the guest of honour.
For once the story preceding the Warriors’ departure was not punctuated by uncertainties of whether they would be able to travel or questions about availability of players’ allowances.
For the first time in a long time all those who have a concern for football came together in support of the team as they dream to bring back silverware home.
At the send-off, government threw its full weight behind the team, even though it is cash-strapped and struggling to give financial support; at least it was not short of morale backing.
Minister of Sport Makhosini Hlongwane has been full of praise for the Zifa board led by businessman Phillip Chiyangwa that has been in office for just over a month.
It appears the board has brought stability to the game so much so that stability and belief has been restored in all those that had lost faith in the game.
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In the past, the government seemed to have taken a back seat on matters of football, but the attendance at the send-off dinner by the highest office in the land must have been a big morale booster for the squad that will do duty in Rwanda.
Chiyangwa promised during his campaign that he would restore relations with the government and results are starting to show.
We believe government’s involvement in sport is important for development and football will reap rewards from such relations.
Zifa benefactor Wicknell Chivayo who has so far delivered on all his promises was at hand to further boost morale by giving the Warriors $20 000.
He promised that he would do much more for the team if they succeed in Rwanda. For once, the squad left with full knowledge that their allowances were available.
Chiyangwa also chipped in with $10 000 to add to what Chivayo had availed and if that was not enough, the promise that the players would share whatever they get from the tournament must have been a big incentive.
The Warriors are guaranteed at least $100 000 if they fail to progress from their Group D where they face Zambia, Mali and Uganda.
While the $100 000 is a rich reward, they will be aiming to progress and possibly win the big prize for better earnings.
The supporters have also played their part; some of their representatives promised the Warriors that they would be joining them in Rwanda.
Supporters groups have been mobilising resources so that they travel to Rwanda to lend their support.
Zimbabwe might not be paying the best allowances and winning bonuses and the country might not have too many supporters travelling to Rwanda, but after Friday the players are now aware how much they are appreciated.
As the Warriors begin their journey tomorrow, they will be in high spirits with the knowledge that they have the backing of a whole nation. Pasuwa will not need to do much talking to motivate the players because that part was played in Harare on Friday night and the players will shed blood and sweat for success.
