FIFA ENGAGE WARRIORS

Tadious Manyepo

Sports Reporter

FIVE Warriors players, including captain Marvelous Nakamba, are in touch with a visiting FIFA delegation as the world football governing body eye to promote football development in the country.

The two-member assignment, David Fani and Santa Rasoamahenina, from the FIFA Regional Office for Southern Africa arrived in the country early this week and will leave tomorrow.

They are having a series of meetings, including engagements with Nakamba, Tino Kadewere, Gerald Takwara, Jordan Zemura and Walter Musona, with the players expected to represent their colleagues in airing their views on what they feel should be done to improve their international experience.

ZIFA yesterday revealed the FIFA delegation was in the country to engage the senior national team players as well as to address other critical football issues in the country.

“The (FIFA) delegation will be in Zimbabwe until the 4th of October 2024, working closely with key stakeholders to advance several important initiatives,” read a statement from ZIFA.

“This mission underlines FIFA’s continued commitment to supporting football growth in Zimbabwe, while also providing crucial guidance on key projects aimed at advancing the sport across the nation.

“ZIFA is grateful for FIFA’s support and looks forward to further collaboration to promote football development in the country.”

The delegation is also meeting members of the ZIFA Normalisation Committee, whose extended mandate is set to come to an end in January next year.

ZIFA chief executive Yvonne Manwa and FIFA Forward Manager Kudzi Chitima, along with the association’s technical director Jethro Hunidzarira, are also meeting the high-ranking FIFA members.

The delegation is expected to review the ZIFA Village Renovation Project in terms of its general scope as well as discuss the ongoing preparations for the upcoming ZIFA Congress on October 18.

ZIFA are currently preparing for the Warriors’ crunch 2025 Africa Cup of Nations back-to-back qualifiers against Namibia with both matches set for Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, next week.

Namibia will host the Warriors on October 10 before Zimbabwe returns the favour four days later.