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Augustine Hwata Sports Reporter
WARRIORS team manager Shariff Mussa said Zifa should make an undertaking to pay the players more for their CHAN exploits once the association’s financial position improves.
The Warriors have been demanding half of the total prize money of US$250 000 that Zimbabwe got for reaching the semi-finals for their bonuses.

The players had been hoping to get US$125 000, but Zifa, following their board meeting on Saturday, availed only $34 000 towards the CHAN bonuses. But Mussa, who has been the link between Zifa and the team, said the money falls short of what the players were expecting, as each person could end up getting $1 000.

The Warriors manager yesterday said they understand that Zifa were in the red, but players feel they deserve more.

“What they (Zifa) are saying is that you went to South Africa, you did a good job and you got Zimbabwe on the map. But for putting the country on the map, we are unable to pay you as you would wish because Zifa have other critical issues that need to be serviced.

“Now what we have been getting is that the Zifa board said they will not be paying the players half of the amount from CHAN. They said the arrangement that was made by a former board member was not passed by the full board. So the decision is not bidding because the board is not endorsing that,” said Mussa.

Former Zifa board member Nigel Munyati, who was the head of delegation when the Warriors played at CHAN, cut the deal with the team.

Mussa said while the Warriors appreciated that Zifa were saddled by other debts, he wanted the association to consider topping the $34 000 once things improve.

“I am not a member of the Zifa board and do not know what was discussed at the meeting. Neither I am in the secretariat but I believe there should be something in writing to promise that we will be paid more. Yes, we understand that they have other critical issues to attend to but right now we do not know if we will get more and when.

“If we are getting more, we need to know when can we expect it and how much. We need them to say we have given you so much for now and it’s a part payment directed as an appreciation for playing at the CHAN tournament. It would be good all is put in writing so that we know,” said Mussa.

There are still some challenges over the distribution of the bonuses as Zifa wanted to pay only the players who were in South Africa, while the technical team want even players who participated in the qualifying matches to be rewarded.