Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has rallied Zimbabweans to fill the National Sports Stadium when the Warriors host the Democratic Republic of Congo in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on September 28.
The match will mark the senior national football team’s long-awaited competitive return home after years of staging international assignments in neighbouring countries because local facilities did not meet the Confederation of African Football’s required standards.
A number of African teams, who include Sierra Leone, Namibia, Central African Republic, Djibouti, Eritrea, Gambia, Guinea (Conakry), Lesotho, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Somalia and Sudan.
Against this backdrop, the Leone Stars will host the Warriors in Casablanca, Morocco, on September 24, before Spanish coach Ramon Catala takes charge of his first home assignment for Zimbabwe against the much tougher DRC at the National Sports Stadium.
ZIFA believe that if the fans come in their numbers, it will help give the Warriors the edge.
But the ZIFA boss insisted that they would not put Catala under undue pressure to win given that a lot of the teams on the continent have improved.
“We want to win every match, but we are also not naive. We understand that the coach needs more time to work with the squad and allow the players to understand his system,” Magwizi said.
“We are hoping for a good result in Morocco. The team is ready, and we are doing everything possible to ensure that the players receive the welfare and support they deserve.”
With limited recovery time between the two matches, ZIFA is exploring ways of reducing the strain on the players, including the possibility of chartering a flight.
“We cannot have our players relying on normal commercial flights when there is limited recovery and preparation time between matches.
“We must explore options such as chartering flights, although that comes at a high cost.
“As ZIFA, we are doing whatever it takes to ensure that the players are well looked after and that we reduce the pressure and stress caused by long journeys.”
Magwizi believes home support could make the difference against DRC and challenged supporters to create an intimidating atmosphere.
“We have the advantage of the 12th man, and I encourage all Zimbabweans to come to the National Sports Stadium and support the boys.
“Let us make it a huge and memorable homecoming for our national team.”
He thanked the Government and other partners who facilitated the re-opening of the stadium, while acknowledging that further improvements were required.
“No words can adequately describe the feeling of finally playing at home after so many years of hosting our matches in other countries.
“We know that more work still needs to be done, but we sincerely appreciate what they have achieved.”
He added that ZIFA were working hard to help Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe to get the CAF nod to host some international matches.
“We are communicating with CAF and the team responsible for the stadium to address the areas that require attention.
“Bringing Chahwanda Stadium online is now one of ZIFA’s key priorities.”
Despite the financial challenges that come with travelling across the continent for matches, ZIFA have, commendably, committed to sending four teams into battles on different fronts.
Apart from the Warriors, ZIFA are battling to mobilise resources for the Mighty Warriors and Under-23 teams who will feature in the LA28 Olympic Games qualifiers.
The Boys Under-15 side are also set to feature at a FIFA Junior World Cup in Uzbekistan.
These four assignments are pencilled in for between September 24 and October 10.
