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ZIFA has failed to send the Mighty Warriors to Cote D’Ivoire for the first leg of the 2016 Olympic Games qualifier that was set for Abidjan this afternoon.
Under the stewardship of ZIFA president Cuthbert Dube, the leadership of the country’s number one sport has come under immense scrutiny in recent months.
ZIFA failed to raise the $34 000 that was required to fly the girls to Abidjan and the Mighty Warriors now risk a hefty punishment from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who normally do not take such maladministration lightly.
A lengthy ban from international football is likely for the Mighty Warriors.
ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela confirmed the crisis which he said was a result of the association’s financial predicament.
“ZIFA would like to inform the football fraternity and the nation at large that the women’s national soccer team that was supposed to play Ivory Coast tomorrow (today) in an Olympic Games qualifier have failed to fulfill the fixture due to the financial constraints at the association.
“We presented our budgets to Government last year and we made clear our dire financial status.
“We have also been presenting supplementary budgets to Government and Government is fully aware of our plight.
“We approached Government to fund this trip but again we were told Government was constrained,” said Gwesela yesterday evening.
He added: “We would like to reiterate that worldwide national teams are funded by their respective governments.
“Without Government support, football in this country will remain in the doldrums. We have advised both CAF and FIFA who are also aware of our financial status.
“We would like to apologize to the fans, players, technical team and the nation at large. For now we can only await for a response from FIFA.”
The players are also reportedly owed about $1 500 each and last Tuesday they staged a sit-in protesting against their working conditions.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter