HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday hosted the Zimbabwe senior males’s soccer workforce at State House the place he distributed money rewards of US$6,500 per participant for qualifying for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco December subsequent yr.
The Warriors final month completed second in Group J of the qualifiers, sufficient to take them to the finals alongside group winners Cameroon.
The State House occasion was attended by a number of Warriors gamers who included Khama Billiat, Richard Hachiro, Brian Banda, Tymon Machope, Donovan Bernard, Emmanuel Jalai, Martin Mapisa, Walter Musona, Washington Arubi, Godknows Murwira, Obriel Chirinda and Teenage Hadebe.
Some of the Warriors gamers who have been a part of the triumphant facet that booked a ticket within the finals have since returned to their golf equipment overseas however they acquired their share of the largesse.
Members of the technical workforce, led by German coach Michael Nees, additionally bought the identical quantity.
A handful authorities ministers additionally attended the occasion.
In his speech on the congratulatory occasion, Mnangagwa praised what he stated was an inspirational efficiency by the nation’s predominant soccer workforce.
“This achievement is a beacon of hope for our youth and sends a powerful message that, with focus and teamwork, our nation can reach greater heights across any social and economic sphere,” he stated.
“The accomplishment you, the Warriors realised, has inspired countless young athletes across our nation to pursue sporting dreams; to work hard; and to believe that they too can excel.”
Mnangagwa added, “As you prepare for the tournament ahead, I urge you to remain steadfast, patriotic, and good ambassadors of our country.”
He additionally welcomed German coach, Nees, who has written his personal piece of historical past as the primary international coach to take the Warriors to the AFCON finals.
Mnangagwa was introduced with a quantity 18 jersey signed by the Warriors as a token of appreciation.
The money handouts are a part of the spills which have additionally seen Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, in his 2025 funds, allocate US$1 million in direction of the Warriors’ preparations and participation on the AFCON finals.
