HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday hosted the Zimbabwe senior men’s football team at State House where he distributed cash rewards of US$6 500 per player for qualifying for the 2025 Afcon finals in Morocco December next year.
The Warriors last month finished second in Group J of the qualifiers, enough to take them to the finals alongside group winners Cameroon.
The State House event was attended by several Warriors players who included Khama Billiat, Richard Hachiro, Brian Banda, Tymon Machope, Donovan Bernard, Emmanuel Jalai, Martin Mapisa, Walter Musona, Washington Arubi, Godknows Murwira, Obriel Chirinda and Teenage Hadebe.
Some of the Warriors players who were part of the triumphant side that booked a ticket in the finals have since returned to their clubs abroad but they received their share of the largesse.
Members of the technical team, led by German coach Michael Nees, also got the same amount.
A handful government ministers also attended the event.
In his speech at the congratulatory event, Mnangagwa praised what he said was an inspirational performance by the country’s main football team.
“This achievement is a beacon of hope for our youth and sends a powerful message that, with focus and teamwork, our nation can reach greater heights across any social and economic sphere,” he said.
“The accomplishment you, the Warriors realised, has inspired countless young athletes across our nation to pursue sporting dreams; to work hard; and to believe that they too can excel.”
Mnangagwa added: “As you prepare for the tournament ahead, I urge you to remain steadfast, patriotic, and good ambassadors of our country.”
He also welcomed German coach, Nees, who has written his own piece of history as the first foreign coach to take the Warriors to the Afcon finals.
Mnangagwa was presented with a number 18 jersey signed by the Warriors as a token of appreciation.
The cash handouts are part of the spills that have also seen Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, in his 2025 budget, allocate US$1 million towards the Warriors’ preparations and participation at the Afcon finals. – ZimLive
