Zimbabwe’s friendly match against Niger, scheduled for Tuesday, June 10 at Stade Père Jégo in Casablanca, Morocco, is under threat as the Warriors have reportedly refused to take the field unless their outstanding allowances are paid.
The players’ frustration comes amid reports that the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) made only partial payments before shifting focus to logistical arrangements such as flights, accommodation, and other costs related to both the Niger and Burkina Faso fixtures.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub on Monday night, ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi acknowledged the situation. Magwizi said:
We acknowledge the players have genuine concerns and we are engaging them. As ZIFA, we know we have an obligation that must be honoured.
As you know, we are still new in the office. And the stakeholders are aware football is funded by corporates, Government and FIFA.
We have applied for funds from FIFA and we are still waiting for their response. We have engaged corporates and some have been helpful. We are also in a consultative process with the Government.
These however, are processes that take a bit of time.
So as we engage, we are hoping the players will understand our dilemma as we push for efficiency and a change in culture.
Meanwhile, a second Warriors side, composed of younger players, is currently competing in the COSAFA tournament in South Africa, where they are on the brink of group-stage elimination after a draw and a loss in their opening two matches, without registering a single shot on target over 180 minutes.
More: The Herald
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