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Xolisani Gwesela

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
ZIFA have saluted local fans for coming out in numbers to back the Warriors as they got their African Nations Championships qualifying campaign off to a flier with nearly 10 000 fans having paid to watch the encounter against Comoros Islands at Rufaro on Sunday.

The troubled association were by their own admission surprised by the decent crowd that braved the chilly weather to support Callisto Pasuwa’s men secure a 2-0 first round, first leg win over Comoros Islands through goals by Evans Rusike and substitute Marshall Mudehwe.

ZIFA last night revealed that the game had grossed $33 147 after 9 249 people paid their way into Rufaro with 7 318 tickets being for the rest of the ground.

But with the association staggering from one debt to another ZIFA, were still left in the red as the gate revenue went to pay for match services and some creditors.

ZIFA communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said last night that although the amount they realised from the gate revenue may have helped them meet some of the direct match expenses it “still falls short of what is needed to cater for the accommodation of both teams’’.

Gwesela, however, said it was the response from the fans that had left his association encouraged about the prospects of a lasting reunion between the fans and the national team.

There is also a strong belief that the Warriors’ crucial African Cup of Nations victory over Malawi in Blantyre the previous weekend had won them the hearts of many fans who felt an obligation to come out in numbers and support the senior side.

“As ZIFA, we applaud the fans for coming out to support the Warriors as they once again made our nation proud with their win over Comoros.

“We are aware that these are difficult times and for people to sacrifice their cash in mid-month and come out to support our beloved Warriors is very humbling,’’ Gwesela said.

Gwesela said the figures released by their finance department after the CHAN encounter had, however, not taken into account the fact that the association would still have to pay for the Indian Ocean islanders’ accommodation and the costs of the Warriors’ camping.

Gwesela also said special tribute needed to be reserved for Callisto Pasuwa’s men for their commitment to the national team’s cause despite having to play under very difficult circumstances

Earlier on, Gwesela had issued a statement on the association’s website, saluting the Warriors for their victory.

“We congratulate the Warriors for their gallant display in the CHAN preliminary round qualifier which gave them an advantage ahead of the second leg on July 4.

“We draw a lot of pride from the team’s victory and we will strive to ensure that their welfare is duly catered for.

“We continue to get a lot of inspiration from their devotion of playing even when they do not get their dues on time,” Gwesela said.

The Warriors are expected to be back in camp next Monday ahead of their return leg against Comoros, with the winner of the tie going on to face either Lesotho or Botswana in the final qualifier for a place at the fourth CHAN tournament in Rwanda, early next year.

“We are grateful to fans and all partners who came on board to make this match a success with regards to players’ accommodation, food and allowances.

“The Premier Soccer League, Tanganda Private Limited, Munorurama Private Limited, Herentals College and Daisy Lodge all contributed generously towards the successful staging of Sunday’s match.

“While the association will not abdicate from servicing this flagship team, we appeal to various football stakeholders to partner the Warriors.

“ZIFA continues to find itself in a precarious financial position. We need financial resources for the team’s airfares, en-route accommodation and allowances for the return leg and the association is financially constrained.

“Issues to do with our image have strained our relations with partners but ladies and gentlemen, this is our country. Let us unite for the success our beautiful game.

“When the guys are victorious, that glory does not come to ZIFA but the whole nation.

“ZIFA is desperate for Government and corporate funding and without the necessary support, our beautiful game will remain in doldrums,” Gwesela said.

Gwesela said they had made a part payment of the Warriors’ allowances from the money that was grossed from the gates with $5 116 being used to service what the players are owed.

He said the Warriors would be paid the outstanding allowances for the CHAN game when they resume camp next week. Ground rentals chewed $4 817, airfares for the match officials from Swaziland and Match Commissioner Bester Kalombo of Malawi took up $4 671 while $3 800 was used to pay the match fees for the referees.

The Sport and Recreation Commission, who get 6 percent of gross gate takings made off with $1 927, the Confederation of African Football got $1 605 for their 5 percent levy, FIFA received $642 as two percent of the revenue and the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s stadium security costs amounted to $1 505.