HARARE, Zimbabwe — President Emmerson Mnangagwa don announce say Zimbabwe’s national men’s football team, di Warriors, go receive a bonus of US$150,000 for every win in di upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Di matches go happen against Benin for March 20 and Nigeria for March 25.
If di Warriors fit win both matches, dem go take home a total of US$300,000, on top of di US$1 million wey di government don already pledge for their CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign. Dis announcement come just as Zimbabwe dey face wahala to host international matches, since di country no get any FIFA-approved stadium.
Di National Sports Stadium for Harare be di closest one wey fit meet di international standards, but e don dey under renovation since 2020, after CAF flag am for failing to meet dem requirements. Nqobile Magwizi, di boss of di Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), be di one wey announce di pledge. He no clarify if na Mnangagwa’s personal money or government contribution.
“Dis support show di government commitment to di growth and success of football for Zimbabwe and di aspirations of di Warriors as dem dey strive for World Cup qualification,” Magwizi talk. “Di nation gats rally behind di team, as dem dey carry our hopes and pride onto di field. Zimbabwe dey united behind di Warriors.”
Di Warriors dey aim for dem first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification, but dem dey occupy bottom spot for Group C with just two points from four games. Dem go host Benin on March 20 at di Moses Mabhida Stadium for Durban. After dat, dem go travel go Nigeria to face di Super Eagles at di Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for Uyo on March 25.
Dis World Cup qualifiers dey come with high expectations, as di nation don dey pin dem hopes on di Warriors to bring glory. Di financial backing from di government fit boost di team morale, as dem prepare for di crucial encounters ahead.
