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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
SPORT and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane says the Warriors need the best preparations so that they don’t go to Gabon to make up the numbers after qualifying for their third Africa Cup of Nations finals at the weekend.

The victorious Zimbabwe national football team players were given royal treatment at a local hotel when the football leadership organised a banquet to celebrate their success.

The dinner was attended by senior officials from the ministry and from the Sports Commission and other invited guests.

Zimbabwe will be among 16 countries that will converge in Gabon in January next year for the football jamboree that brings together the best from across the continent.

Callisto Pasuwa became the third coach to achieve the feat with a group of talented players that include man-of-the-moment Khama Billiat, who recently won all the big awards in South Africa, Costa Nhamoinesu, Knowledge Musona, Tatenda Mukuruva, Marvelous Nakamba, Willard Katsande, Hardlife Zvirekwi and Cuthbert Malajila.

So far 10 teams have made it and these include hosts Gabon, Morocco, Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, Zimbabwe and débutantes Guinea Bissau and holders Ivory Coast.

Hlongwane, who was the guest of honour at the dinner, believes the Warriors have the quality to compete with the best on the continent.

“This qualification is not the end of the process but the beginning of a long arduous journey that should see Zimbabwe’s Warriors not just participating in Gabon, but competing strongly to bring the Cup home.

“In the intervening period between now and January, a lot of investment should be done in the conditioning and preparation of our boys from the physical, mental, psychological and all aspects.

“Beyond that ZIFA (National Football Association of Zimbabwe) should make sure the preparations for Africa’s biggest football festival are given heightened attention,” said Hlongwane.

Hlongwane said the Warriors’ qualification was a sign that Zimbabwean football has come of age as it followed the success of the women’s side which qualified for this year’s Olympics and the women’s version of the AFCON tournament.

Football for long has been the problem child in his ministry but since the coming in of the new leadership fronted by businessman Philip Chiyangwa, there has been tremendous improvement.

He applauded Chiyangwa and his executive for their achievements in the short period they have been in office.

“Special thanks and congratulations to the Warriors for qualifying for the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.

“This qualification is no mean feat given the struggles that have continued to arrest football, especially the transition from the old ZIFA (now National Football Association of Zimbabwe) executive to the new executive. This very important win by the boys is a clear demonstration that Zimbabwean football is coming of age and that Zimbabwe can compete with the best on the continent.

“This qualification comes hard on the heels of another glorious double qualification by the women’s team, which means Zimbabwe’s football is turning a corner.

“The corporate sector should now come in as they should have to walk with the Warriors as well as the Mighty Warriors, lending their support and resources for the further success of this important part of Team-Zimbabwe,” said Hlongwane.

ZIFA (National Football Association of Zimbabwe) president Chiyangwa was still basking in the glory of the team’s success.

“Obviously we are over the moon. There were achievements before but I think this is the best of them all. This is the first time ever we have qualified with a game to spare, unlike in all those years when we had to wait until the last day for results from other matches.

“I think we have managed to achieve all this through unity of purpose. There has been a good understanding between the executive, the technical team and the players.

“In order to pass the test, we managed to solve the problems that killed the morale in the camp by building trust and as the president of the association I want to applaud those people who had been there for us.

“We worked with my young brother Wicknell (Chivayo) to sort out some of those challenges. Prophet Walter Magaya has also helped us a lot especially with the women’s team and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority as well.

“Now as we focus on the finals, we are calling on everyone to chip in. We should try as much as we can to support our Warriors and the Mighty Warriors as well ahead of these crucial tournaments,” said Chiyangwa.

The Harare businessman assured the players that they will get their share of the $250 000 that was promised by his sponsor Chivayo.

“I am sure they will get their dues before we go to the AFCON finals. The monies will be deposited directly into their accounts once we have finished working on the figures for each individual,” said Chiyangwa.

Chivayo, who also attended the function, confirmed the Warriors will get their money.