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Dumisani Nsingo Senior Reporter
AN ecstatic Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa congratulated the Warriors and Sables for their heroic feats which saw them defeating their opponents Malawi and Kenya in matches played yesterday. The Warriors put aside their chaotic preparations and strenuous travelling to engulf the Flames of Malawi 2-1 in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers match played at Kamuzu Banda Stadium in Malawi.
Unlike their opponents, the Warriors, ahead of the high profile encounter the Malawians headed into the duel buoyed by a high profile friendly encounter against Egypt coupled with month long preparations.
“I would like to congratulate the national team for their win against Malawi despite the challenges they had before they left for Malawi. Yes, I know they had problems in terms of their preparations and travelling.
“While we (Government) did our best to support our national team, I feel they played their hearts out to ensure they raise our country’s flag under difficult circumstances,” sad Minister Langa at a local hotel where he watched the Warriors game alongside Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda.
Minister Langa said in the future the Zimbabwe Football Association should ensure that national teams adequately prepare for their assignment as soccer was a global attraction that puts the country’s image and reputation under unnecessary scrutiny in the event of blundering.
“To Zifa it is important that when there are tournaments of this nature they have to adequately prepare for them in time. Though there are numerous sports, its only football which has a large following the world over, therefore, Zifa should prepare on time and on this one Zifa failed to prepare on time.
“If they have problems they should go through the Sports Recreation Commission which will then enlighten the Ministry of such problems,” said Langa, adding that President Mugabe was a sport loving person and as such “he is very happy about this achievement.”
Langa said the Warriors feat, under difficult circumstances showed the corporate world that they were a brand worth associating with.
“I would like to thank the corporate world for supporting us; these include our companies and friends. I would also want to appeal to them that here is a brand that they can use to expand their businesses. Here is a brand to embrace,’’ said Langa.
Zifa vice-president was also full of praises for the Warriors, while calling for a unity of purpose in matters to do with football.
“I would like to send my congratulatory message to the national team and may we continue like this. With the spirit of oneness, we move on and if there are any challenges we shall overcome them,” said Sibanda.
Langa also showered praises to the Sables who overcame Kenya 28-20 in their rugby Africa Cup opener played at Prince Edwards in Harare, saying the team has always been a “marvel” to the nation.
“I would also like to take time to congratulate the Sables. They have done us proud in most of the occasions. I was supposed to be the guest of honour at the match but I am celebrating in absentia and I urge them to continue lifting the country’s flag high,” he said.
Online Reporter