Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA executive board member Brighton Ushendibaba has hailed association president Nqobile Magwizi for successfully negotiating with Caf to secure the conditional return of supporters to the National Sports Stadium, while rallying Zimbabweans to fill the 10 000 available seats for today’s Mighty Warriors clash against Malawi.
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) granted Zimbabwe a reprieve from its provisional spectator ban following engagements led by Magwizi, allowing limited attendance under strict security conditions.
The ban followed crowd disturbances and the death of a supporter during the Warriors’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo last month.
Ushendibaba, who oversees infrastructure development on the Zifa board, welcomed the breakthrough as an important step towards restoring normal international football activities at home.
“I want to sincerely thank our president, Nqobile Magwizi, for the leadership and commitment he has demonstrated in engaging Caf to ensure that our supporters can return to the National Sports Stadium.
“This is an important breakthrough for Zimbabwean football, and we must not take it for granted,” Ushendibaba said.
With the Mighty Warriors trailing 2-0 from the first leg of their Women’s Olympic qualifier against Malawi, Ushendibaba believes home support could inspire the team to overturn the deficit.
“We are calling upon Zimbabweans to come out in their numbers and fill all the 10 000 available seats tomorrow. Our Mighty Warriors need us more than ever.
“We are trailing by two goals, but football has taught us that anything is possible when a team has the backing of its supporters. I believe our girls can turn this tie around,” he said.
Zimbabwe need a victory by at least three clear goals to progress outright, while a two-goal winning margin would leave the tie level on aggregate.
Ushendibaba also urged supporters to exercise discipline, warning that further crowd trouble could jeopardise the country’s efforts to secure unrestricted spectator access.
“We appeal to everyone attending the match to observe the security regulations. We have worked hard to bring international football back home, and we cannot afford another setback.
“Let us demonstrate to Caf that Zimbabwe can host international matches in a safe and orderly environment,” he said.
Under CAF’s conditions, stadium gates will open five hours before kick-off, with enhanced security screening, crowd control and emergency response measures in place.
