adminthat the high-riding team stands for.
In a speech read on his behalf at a Mighty Warriors fundraising dinner in Harare last night, Acting President John Nkomo said the Mighty Warriors have done the nation proud by qualifying for the All- Africa Games to be held in Maputo in September.
The gala event was held to raise funds for a two-week training camp in Germany, facilitated by Zifa technical advisor Klaus Pagels.
At the time of going to print the Mighty Warriors’ chief sponsor and honorary member Jocelyn Chiwe-nga had pledged US$10 000 while Chroma Paints, represented by Zifa Board member Solomon Mugazavi and his wife had pledged US$5 000. The team needs US$150 000 for airfares.
The German hosts will meet all other costs.
Permanent secretary in the Office of the Acting President, Ronald Madamombe, who read the speech, commended the women’s football leadership.
“I am pleased to note that women’s football has grown from strength to strength, and I would like to salute the leadership for toiling around the clock to put it on the international map.”
He said the success of the Mighty Warriors has produced a major shift in attitudes in society.
“This achievement came despite the fact that there are still remnants of macho attitudes surrounding the popular sport. . . I call upon those still harbouring such thoughts of machismo with respect to the sport to rethink and embrace that football is a fundamental right to both men and women, and noone should be deprived of the opportunity to excel in the sport which globally has grown into a massive industry,”
VP Nkomo challenged the corporate world to get their gender lenses on and look differently at the team that has captured the hearts of the nation.
“I exhort you to extend the world acclaimed Zimbabwean generous heart to a worthy national cause by giving abundantly to the Mighty Warriors.
“This is a win-win situation, and I can assure you that the returns from your gesture will be very rewarding in the end.”
He hailed the unifying effect of football and said, globally, the game of football had become a major force in nation building.
Speaking at the same occasion, Zimbabwe Women Football chairperson Mavis Gumbo assured potential sponsors that that their investment would be safe.
“We promise you good returns in the form of good corporate governance and success,” she said.
Speaking in behalf of the Mighty Warriors’ fund raising committee – which organised the event – treasurer Itai Munyeza said they are making great progess in their bid to rebrand the Mighty Warriors and had now produced a corporate logo for the team.
“We are well on track and we are hopeful that we will raise the funds to allow us to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime event,” he said.
He said, to ensure transparency in the handling of the funds, all the money would be deposited into two accounts with CBZ Bank and FBC Bank.
“We will not accept cash donations. We would like to use the formal banking system to ensure credibility.”
Among the guests were Chief Immigration officer Evans Siziba, Pagels, Acting Principal director in the Office of the Acting President Forbes Mbele.
The Mighty Warriors, led by their coach Rose Mugadza, took time off their preparations for the Cosafa tournament to attend the event.
Online Reporter