adminMakomborero Mutimukulu in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
A CRACK team from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces is firmly established here and ready to deliver on a unique Africa Cup of Nations assignment. Although the Warriors will not be among the 16 football aristocrats that will draw swords for the right to be called kings of the continent, there is a strong Zimbabwean presence and influence ahead of the soccer showcase which ignites tomorrow and run until February 8.
The Zimbabwe Commando Anti Terrorism Unit jetted into Malabo at the beginning of the week following a request made to President Mugabe by his Equatorial Guinea counterpart President Theodore Obiang Nguema.
The highly specialised and well equipped team is providing VIP security, intelligence as well as manning key institutions in a development that adds another jewel to the ZDF’s already glittering crown.
The mission, code named “Restoring African Pride”, is fully funded by the host government and comes a few weeks before President Mugabe is expected to assume the African Union chairmanship.
It is also being viewed as a sign that Zimbabwe, which has served with distinction in various regional and international assignments, is capable of taking the most leading role in matters affecting the continent.
The invitation of the ZDF to such an important assignment is confirmation of the force’s high standing despite long drawn but futile efforts to suffocate it, as well as the country through illegal sanctions, defence experts note.
The sanctions inhibit the army from buying weapons and spare parts.
However, the illegal embargo appears to have brought the best out of the ZDF as they have found ways to bust the sanctions.
Although mission commanders could not divulge the amount of artillery their team brought into Equatorial Guinea for security reasons, one does not need military intelligence to tell that the Zimbabwean contingent is well armed.
Yesterday the unit went on a familiarisation tour around Malabo, touring the Estadio De Malabo — the 15,000 capacity stadium which will play host to Group D featuring Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Guinea (Conakry) — as well as hotels housing the teams and Confederation of African Football officials.
At Estadio De Malabo the team gave their input on security arrangements, noting that the clash between the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Ivorian Elephants presents a “unique challenge.”
The contingent’s liason officer Colonel Charles Mazaiwana disclosed that the Zimbabwean warriors are ready to ensure that the tournament, which Equatorial Guinea agreed to host at the last minute following the comical withdrawal of Morocco, is played in a conducive environment.
“This tour gave us a feel of the match venue and the hotels that will be accommodating the teams and other dignitaries. We have noted what needs to done and have assured our hosts, who invited us here, that we will make sure that the games are played in an environment that is safe for everyone, that is the players, fans and officials,” he said.
Estadio de Malabo caretaker Dario Urbani praised the Zimbabwean crack unit for highlighting areas that “had not crossed our minds.”
“These guys are sharp, very professional and we have every confidence in their abilities. We look forward to working with them for the duration of the tournament,” he said
Online Reporter