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Ricky Zililo Sports Reporter
RENOWNED world footballer Luis Figo yesterday dangled a carrot to Zifa saying should his handlers agree terms with the national motherbody, he would stage a high profile charity game in Zimbabwe. In an interview at Bulawayo’s Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport after his 24-hour visit, the former Barcelona and Real Madrid star said the Luis Figo Foundation was willing to partner Zifa in organising the game which would feature a number of international stars.
“My visit here was to find out opportunities in football and business. I did not meet any football people but I established contacts and we will see if something comes up but we are likely to have a charity match here.
“Every year my foundation has a charity game and if something comes up here I can have it in this country,” Figo said.
The former Fifa World Player of the Year and European Player of the Year has been involved in charity work since retiring from professional football in 2009.
According to information available online, the Luis Figo Foundation has been involved in harnessing resources to alleviate hunger and last year Figo’s XI lost 1-5 to Benfica in a charity match.
On his visit to Zimbabwe, the legendary winger was accompanied by South African businessman Gayton McKenzie.
Mckenzie, according to information, is alleged to be an ex-convict, a motivational speaker, author and businessman.
McKenzie said he will be returning to Zimbabwe next week for a meeting with Zifa about the possibilities of a two-legged charity game.
“I want to bring football stars to Zimbabwe and Figo was supposed to come with his country mate Ronaldo (Cristiano) for this visit but since the league that side has started he couldn’t.
“Next week I am coming back for a meeting with Zifa and Figo will help secure the players like Zinedine Zidane, Raul and Andy Cole, among others.
“If possible, the games against a Figo Select will be played in Bulawayo and Harare,” said McKenzie.
The South African businessman said it would be up to Zifa to field the Warriors or a national team of legends for the charity match.
If the Luis Figo Foundation charity game materialises, Zifa might get revenue from advertising and television rights.
Brazil played the Warriors in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup with the encounter beamed to the rest of the world. Zimbabwe lost the game 0-3.
Last year local football enthusiasts were presented with an opportunity to meet former greats who included Lucas Radebe, Nwankwo Kanu, Lomana Lua Lua and El-Hadji Diouf during the Benjani Mwaruwari testimonial match in Harare.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo