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Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Women Football leadership have apologised to the nation for the incident which caused a 15-minute delay during the African Women Championship match at Rufaro on Sunday. The Government pledged their full support for the Mighty Warriors in their campaign to reach the women’s version of the Nations Cup.
Zifa could be fined by Caf, following a delay to the resumption of the second half, as the Zimbabwe Defence Forces paratroopers, who were providing half-time entertainment, did not land on the pitch in time as scheduled.
A young fan sitting in the stands, who was injured by one of the paratroopers as he was about to land, had to be rushed to hospital.
Zimbabwe Women Football League chairperson Mavis Gumbo yesterday offered her organisation’s apology and said relevant authorities were looking into the matter.
“ZWF would like to apologise to the fans, sponsors, invited guests and all football stakeholders for the 15-minute delay at the start of the second half,” Gumbo said in a statement yesterday.
“The delay was caused by unforeseen circumstances related to the half-time entertainment at the match.
“Relevant authorities are looking into the matter and an update would be given once this exercise is completed.
“We are proud of the support the fans continue to give to women football.
The Mighty Warriors are always humbled by the backing and their performances on the pitch will always be driven by the need to give the fans full value.”
Gumbo also released her manifesto yesterday in which she is seeking a second term as head of women’s football.
Meanwhile, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Andrew Langa, has pledged Government’s support for the team in their campaign to qualify for the African Women Championships finals in Namibia in October.
The Mighty Warriors are now left with one more hurdle to clear and if they beat Zambia they will win a ticket to Namibia.
““Well done to Rosemary Mugadza (coach) for managing to withstand the pressure and as the Government of Zimbabwe, we would like to assure her and the team that we are behind them all the way,” said Langa.
“We, as the supporters, must remember that they need us to progress to the next stage.
They really need our support as Zimbabweans, emotionally and financially.
“I call upon the entire corporate world to chip in and assist them, for they have done us proud.
I appreciate how difficult things are at the moment in the business sector, but let’s try and come together to help the Mighty Warriors in their quest for glory.”
Langa hailed the team’s performance.
“I would like to congratulate the Mighty Warriors for an exceptional, seamless performance in the match against Botswana,” said the Minister.
“They have started commemorations for the Women’s Month in a spectacular format, may they continue to make the country proud, we are happy for them.
“This puts the country in a positive light, it is important for Zimbabweans to celebrate such achievements as they only mean good for the country.
“Recently we had the men’s team doing a fabulous job at the recently-ended CHAN Tournament and now the ladies have followed suite, Amhlophe bosisi, makorokoto chaizvo.
“I had an opportunity to watch the Mighty Warriors playing against Botswana and I was impressed.
I will also follow the action in the next encounter against Zambia, the team played well although we should have scored more goals.”
Online Reporter