Online Reporter
Mugove Chigada
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Warriors training camp in Morocco hit turbulence yesterday after players threatened to boycott today’s friendly against Niger unless they are paid outstanding allowances.
Zimpapers Sports Hub understands that the association made part payment to the players before prioritising accommodation, flights and other expenses involved in arranging the Burkina Faso and Niger friendlies.
Last night, ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said they have been made aware of the players’ concerns and they respect their position as they seek solution.
“We acknowledge the players have genuine concerns and we are engaging them. As Zifa, we know we have an obligation that must be honoured,” Magwizi said.
This comes at a time when Zifa have gone against the odds, making use of the international windows for a change.
They hope coach Michael Nees will then be able to build a strong team for the World Cup qualifiers and later the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Broken promises by past administrations which saw players not receiving their allowances and appearance fees after games have not made the situation any better for the association.
Magwizi says they are aware that they have to build trust between them and the players to ensure a culture shift.
“As you know, we are still new in the office. And the stakeholders are aware football is funded by corporates, Government and FIFA.
“We have applied for funds from FIFA and we are still waiting for their response. We have engaged corporates and some have been helpful. We are also in a consultative process with the Government,” Magwizi said.
He added: “These however, are processes that take a bit of time.
Magwizi and his board took over from the FIFA Normalisation committee in January this year.
One of their promises was to ensure all national teams start participating in the different competitions for growth.
Another Warriors team, made up of younger players, is currently at the Cosafa tournament.
What is clear, though is that these games and tournaments will come with high costs as experienced in the past days.
Players had to travel to Morocco in batches, with players coming from different parts of the world to join camp.
This, Magwizi says, has not been easy but must be done at all costs.
“So as we engage, we are hoping the players will understand our dilemma as we push for efficiency and a change in culture,” he said.
Coach Michael Nees will be hoping his players will have a change of heart to help him assess some of them against Niger at Stade Père Jégo in Casablanca, Morocco as they build for the future.
Our players behave like mercenaries and as long as we have players with little or no education, it will be hard for them to understand the intricacies of financial management. That is the naked truth. And just like mercenaries, all they want is their money regardless of whether it’s available or not or whether they have put up a good shift to deserve payment or not. ZIFA is also making a mistake by trying to “build a better house” without adequate resources. Nqobile Magwizi and company are trying too hard to show that they can do it better than previous ZIFA managements. What they don’t seem to be aware of is that they inherited big problems from the previous situation and have to try solve them carefully without too much speed. One clear example of poor judgement on Magwizi’s side is his gallivanting all over Europe recently looking for so called Europe based players suitable and with potential to play for the Warriors. He wasted resources on useless adventures and now is unable to pay players their dues creating the risk of humiliating the whole nation.