Online Reporter
Forward Nyanyiwa in CARLOW, Ireland
AS the Warriors count down to the AFCON finals, ZIFA are planning to charter two planes from England and Ireland to ferry fans to the football showcase.
The tourney is scheduled for Morocco in December.
ZIFA, through their Global Affairs and Diaspora Engagement committee chairman, Marshall Gore, revealed that they are making frantic efforts to secure the charter planes.
“It is an area we are working on to harness and mobilise support and resources for our fans from the Diaspora,” he said.
“If the numbers are there, we will support and assist in every aspect necessary to have the charter planes as you might be aware that it is actually cheap in Europe to charter a plane as a bigger group.
“We are not only looking at the transport aspect but when the ZIFA advance team goes to Morocco, they will also source accommodation for fans and lay out plans to have every supporter get a decent place to stay during the tournament.”
Currently, fans in the Diaspora, especially in the United Kingdom, have started communications through WhatsApp groups to try and get as many people as possible to be part of the showcase in Morocco.
“We are trying to get many people involved to go and support the Warriors. Morocco is a few hours’ flight from the UK and Ireland and excitement is already evident in our Diaspora community.
“As ZIFA, we are assisting with ticket links as well so that fans can purchase their match entry tickets well in advance because the 12th man has always been important and, this time, we will leave no stone unturned as we try to get as many fans as we can.”
Gore paid tribute to ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi and his executive for coming up with committees meant to create a conducive environment for football progress.
“I want to thank the ZIFA president for my and other appointments because all I wanted was the platform to help our football,” said Gore.
“In my new portfolio, l will lead ZIFA’s global football diplomacy by strengthening international partnerships and integrating Diaspora stakeholders to advance Zimbabwe football development.
“The new president is accommodating to everyone who is for the development of our game and complimenting his efforts is the right thing to do.”
