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Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Soccer Supporters Association has greeted with optimism ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa’s bid to invite FIFA leader Gianni Infantino into the country and believe a visit by the world soccer governing boss could open new avenues for the domestic game.

Chiyangwa is expected to leave the country for Nigeria this afternoon where he was specially invited by the Nigerian Football Federation on the occasion of Infantino’s maiden visit to the vast West African country.

ZNSSA life president Eddie ‘Mboma’ Nyatanga said soccer fans are optimistic that Chiyangwa will succeed in his quest to convince Infantino and FIFA secretary-general Fatma Samoura to visit the country.

Nyatanga said Chiyangwa should make the most of the opportunity to ensure that the Zimbabwe soccer benefits from the world boss’ tour of the country.

“The soccer supporters are happy for Chiyangwa. It is indeed an honour for him and Zimbabwe. We are therefore saying he should now use this opportunity to convince Infantino to visit this country.

“Wherever FIFA go there is a legacy of setting up some football developmental structures and projects. Zimbabwe badly needs this and we see Chiyangwa’s visit as a chance for this to happen here,” Nyatanga said.

Nyatanga said Chiyangwa should also use the opportunity to lure sponsors into the domestic game as well as try and convince the Nigerian senior team to have a date with the Warriors before January.

“Chiyangwa should also follow up on his meeting with the Nigerian Minister of Youth and Sport on the possibility of a friendly match between the Super Eagles and the Warriors as part of our preparations for Gabon 2017.

“It is our hope that the Super Eagles will give Zimbabwe good competition and help them rectify their weaknesses before they go to the jungles of African football in January”. The Warriors have already qualified for the 2017 AFCON finals to be held in Gabon while Nigeria failed to make it with the sole ticket in their group having been grabbed by the Pharaohs of Egypt.