adminPetros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE’S African Nations Championships prospects could go up in smoke if beleaguered ZIFA fail to secure a charter flight to Comoros Islands for the Warriors’ preliminary round, second leg tie next Saturday.
ZIFA revealed yesterday that they were negotiating with Air Zimbabwe for a charter flight after it became apparent that it was the only option left available if the Warriors are to fulfil their assignments.
Callisto Pasuwa’s men took a healthy 2-0 in the first leg at Rufaro last weekend, with goals either side of the break by Hwange’s Evans Rusike and substitute Marshal Mudehwe of FC Platinum handing them the advantage.
But that crucial win could count for nothing should ZIFA fail to secure a charter flight to the Indian Ocean islands where commercial flights are not regularly available.
ZIFA spokesman Xolisani Gwesela admitted as much yesterday in a statement posted on the association’s website.
It also emerged last night that while Air Zimbabwe had opened communication lines with ZIFA, the national airline was reluctant to deal with the association without a guarantee, notably from Government.
Sources said one of the sticking points was that ZIFA still owed Air Zimbabwe money from previous assignments undertaken in similar fashion.
“ZIFA have previously chartered planes form Air Zimbabwe and there are some funds that are owing. So, in this latest case Air Zimbabwe would want some form of guarantee from Government or a sponsor that can bail ZIFA out. It is very difficult to fly to Comoros on commercial flights although it is cheaper with each return ticket costing $2 500, but it would also mean spending seven days away.
“Comoros also spent seven days on the road including match day when they came here and now that the Warriors cannot be on the Kenyan Airways flight to Comoros, they would have to bank on the charter being arranged,’’ the sources said.
Gwesela, however, remained optimistic that a deal would be thrashed that will result in the Warriors flying in time for their match next Saturday.
The ZIFA spokesman also outlined the possibilities they have and the costs they would incur in chartering a plane.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association has sought quotations regarding a possible commissioned plane arrangement for the Warriors team travelling to the Comoros Island to fulfil the African Nations Championship preliminary round second leg qualifier on 4 July.
“All concerned parties have concurred that chartering a plane is the most feasible and cost effective means of taking the national team to Comoros since other alternatives have failed to materialise due to the unavailability of seats on proposed dates of travel and the generally high costs associated with hitch-hiking.
“The best alternative available, therefore, is renting Air Zimbabwe’s plane for a maximum cost of US$114 900 and a minimum of US$83 000.
“If the team travels to the destination on Thursday 2 July, returning on Sunday the 5th of July, the plane will cost US$114 900, while flying on Friday and returning soon after the match will require US$83 000,” Gwesela said.
Gwesela said they had also engaged the Government over their plight and that discussions with the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture authorities were on-going to try and salvage the CHAN dream.
“We have alerted the Government of the situation and are also currently seized with securing the required money, but we cannot do it without the nation’s support.
“It is our hope that the nation continues to rally behind the team in the same manner that they did on Sunday at Rufaro,” Gwesela said.
The Warriors are expected to regroup on Monday ahead of the encounter.
Online Reporter