Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GOVERNMENT has lauded the Warriors for their resilience and gallant efforts despite Zimbabwe making an early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations football fiesta in Morocco.
An emotional Warriors squad, the bulk of whom were the local contingent of the senior side, returned home yesterday, touching down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport mid-morning.
They might not have had a huge crowd awaiting them, but there were still a handful of fans, including members of the Johane Masowe Apostolic sect on hand to welcome and sing for the Warriors.
Crucially was the massive support from the Government with Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nicholas Moyo leading officials from his Ministry in welcoming the Warriors.
Sports and Recreation Commission chairman Nathaniel Madzivanyika was also present at the airport along with officials from the sport regulatory body.
Seemingly cognisant of the impact of their failure to go beyond their group stage once again, the Warriors were in subdued spirits.
The Warriors who put on commendable shows were left to count the costs of the mistakes they made in crucial stages of their three Group B matches against Egypt, Angola and South Africa before crashing out.
Moyo offered words of consolation to the team, providing a moment of reprieve for the dejected players and their officials.
The permanent secretary said the Government was proud of the fight and resilience shown by the team at the tournament despite faltering in the group stages.
“To the Warriors, welcome back home. It is not about what time you were made to pack up your bags,’’ Moyo said.
“You went out to represent Zimbabwe, and the Government is proud of what you did.
“You may not have gotten the best result, but we looked at the diligence of your execution. We are proud, we have a team for now and a team for the future.”
Moyo noted that the Warriors’ journey was not a smooth stroll but one with several challenges along the way.”
Moyo also paid tribute to ZIFA for working hard to rebuild the Warriors, who were competing at their first AFCON since FIFA lifted more than a year-long suspension on Zimbabwe which saw them being ineligible for the 2023 edi-tion in Cote d’Ivoire.
“This is the first Warriors team to compete at AFCON after our suspension. We are coming from a period when nothing was happening.
“ZIFA succeeded in building a team that played at this level. We can’t cry forever, you did what you could, and your hard work has set a foundation,’’ Moyo said.
Moyo also challenged Nqobile Magwizi’s leadership to prioritise thorough preparations and development path-ways.
“My challenge to ZIFA is to ensure we put effort into development.
“Let’s grow the teams to play together. It is unfair for players to start knowing each other only two weeks before camp, with some joining late only because they are based internationally.”
Warriors vice-captain Godknows Murwira said that he felt relieved after a warm welcome from the Government and the people of Zimbabwe.
“I don’t have to say much. You can see for yourself that we have been welcomed back home, even after a performance that fell short of what we expected and what the nation expected.
“I just want to thank you for the support you gave us and for welcoming us home,’’ Murwira said. The Scottland right back revealed that there was some uncertainty among the players about the kind of reception they would receive back home.
“In our minds, we were wondering, ‘how are they going to welcome us?’ But now, thank you so much. We feel welcomed.”
He added: “We were worried about how we’d be received after such a disappointing result. But to feel this welcome home means everything. Thank you for your support.”
Warriors head of delegation to Morocco and ZIFA board member Thomas Marambanyika was grateful for the support rendered to the national team by different stakeholders.
“All travel logistics went according to plan.
“We’re deeply grateful to His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe and the Minister of Sport, alongside the SRC, for their unwavering support of the Warriors,” said Marambanyika.
“Despite the results, the team delivered a strong performance. We are immensely thankful for the corporate backing and for our fans, who travelled from the UK, Zimbabwe, and across the globe to show their confidence in the team.”
