President Mnangagwa has promised a US$150,000 bonus for each victory by the Warriors in their World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria. A total of US$300,000 could be earned if they win both matches. This incentive comes amid challenges related to FIFA stadium standards, necessitating games to be hosted in South Africa. ZIFA President Magwizi highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting football’s growth in Zimbabwe.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced a bonus of US$150,000 per victory for Zimbabwe’s national football team, the Warriors, in their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria. Should the team succeed in both matches, which are scheduled for March 20 and March 25, they could earn a total of US$300,000, on top of the US$1 million already allocated for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.
This financial incentive reflects Zimbabwe’s ongoing challenges in hosting international matches, as the nation lacks a FIFA-approved stadium. Consequently, the Warriors are compelled to play their home games in South Africa. The National Sports Stadium in Harare, which is the closest venue to meeting international standards, has been undergoing renovations since 2020, after being flagged by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for non-compliance.
The announcement of the bonus was made by Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) President Nqobile Magwizi, who did not clarify whether the funds were from Mnangagwa personally or a government allocation. “This support underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to the growth and success of football in Zimbabwe and the aspirations of the Warriors as they strive for World Cup qualification,” Magwizi stated.
He further encouraged the nation to unite in support of the Warriors, emphasizing the significance of the team’s success for national pride. Zimbabwe aims to achieve qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history.
In conclusion, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s pledge of a US$150,000 bonus per win for the Warriors underscores the government’s commitment to football in Zimbabwe. The team is working toward its first FIFA World Cup qualification, even while facing challenges related to infrastructure and match venues. The public is encouraged to support the Warriors as they aim to succeed in their upcoming qualifiers.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
