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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Mighty Warriors yesterday afternoon refused to train demanding their outstanding allowances ahead of their trip tomorrow for the second leg of the African Women Championships against Zambia on Sunday. Zimbabwe lost the first leg, played at Rufaro Stadium, 1-0 and need to overturn that deficit at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka but it now looks gloomy following the industrial action by the girls who are still owed winning and training bonuses for the first round win over Botswana.
A player who asked for anonymity said officials threatened them for demanding their dues yesterday and told coach Rosemary Mugadza to come up with a new list of “patriotic” players who will travel to Zambia for the crucial tie.
“We have been in camp for a month now but we have not been given a single cent in allowances. We are also owed for the Botswana game but when we demand what is due to us someone has the guts to tell us to surrender our kits and go home, it’s not fair really,” said the player.
She said they were only given $50 just before the Zambia game which was equivalent to a week’s training allowances.
“One is supposed to enjoy being chosen to represent the country but for us, it’s hell,” added another player.
The newly elected Zimbabwe women’s football board led by Mirriam Sibanda inherited huge debts from the previous board.
Sibanda’s deputy Elizabeth Langa said she was not aware that the girls had taken off their boots but appealed to them to understand her board’s plight.
“While I am not aware of that, I would like to appeal to the girls to bear with us, we appreciate their concerns. As you might be aware we inherited debts from the previous board and we are at the moment trying to clean our image in the eyes of the corporate world,” said Langa.
She added; “There is a lot that is needed for us to regain the corporate world’s trust and that can not happen within four months that we have been in office”.
In March there was a huge outcry after the Mighty Warriors were stranded at the Zifa Village as the beleaguered national association failed to provide money for transport after the Botswana match. The girls were also fed on very poor diet during their “forced stay” at the Zifa Village.
derick.khumalo