THE Government has assured supporters that the Warriors would be adequately resourced for their bid to qualify for the 2015 African Cup of Nations.
Sports minister, Andrew Langa, disclosed that Zifa handed over the qualification programme to the State, expecting financial assistance after the draw for the qualifiers was conducted last Sunday.
“Zifa have given us their programme through the Sports and Recreation Commission and as Government we are committed to lending our support to the team.
“As the responsible minister, I will be approaching Treasury with a view to coming up with a plan to support the senior national football team.
“Although the logistics are being worked on, I can safely assure the nation that the national team will fulfil all its fixtures,” Langa said.
Ahead of this year’s African Nations Championship finals in South Africa, government gave the Warriors US$88,000 for camping purposes and a further US$50,000 for player bonuses.
The Warriors have often relied on personal funding from Zifa president Cuthbert Dube but the creation of a new Sports Ministry after last year’s elections seems to be working in their favour as they could access government funding.
Zimbabwe will face Tanzania in the second round of the qualifiers with the first leg taking place on May 17 away and the return leg two weeks later in Harare.
If they beat Tanzania, they will meet the winner between Mozambique and South Africa.
Should they progress from the group, they will join the last qualifying group which has 2012 champions Zambia, Niger and Cape Verde Islands.
The top two teams from the group will qualify for next year’s finals in Morocco.Advertisement