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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
FOLLOWING the stand-off between the Mighty Warriors and ZIFA, Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kazembe Kazembe says there is need for the ministry to take a leading role when it comes to national teams to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
The senior women’s protested over unpaid dues for the two games against Namibia in the Africa Women Cup of Nations first round qualifier after they only got money for transport ranging between $5 and $20. The impasse was resolved yesterday.
“To be very honest we are equally disturbed, that shouldn’t have been allowed to happen. It’s unacceptable in any language,’’ said Kazembe.
“We have spoken with the SRC in no uncertain terms that there is no explanation whatsoever to allow that situation to take place in the first place.
“I mean if you look at the figures the Mighty Warriors are asking for, surely, it’s totally unacceptable. There are no two ways about it.
“That’s the other reason why we brought the SRC here because I am not impressed at all that surely we can have our Mighty Warriors playing very well, doing very well and then we fail to pay them.”
The minister said he understood there was communication breakdown between the parties.
“I have made it clear to ZIFA that such issues should not be allowed to happen, especially when it comes to the girl child. They have done the nation proud, they won in Namibia, they won here, so we should have arranged their payment way before.
“But I guess that’s an issue that can be taken care of and the SRC have assured me that it won’t happen in future.”
ZIFA communications and competitions manager Xolisani Gwesela yesterday said they had resolved the matter.
“The Mighty Warriors issue has come to an end and the Mighty Warriors have left for their respective homes. As we previously said and indicated all their outstanding amounts will be deposited directly into their bank accounts,” said Gwesela.
Online Reporter