Zimbabwe’s Warriors players honoured for AFCON ticket - Photo ZFA Media.
Zimbabwe’s Warriors players and coaching panel members are smiling to the bank after the Southern African country’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa gifted one of them $6,500 as a bonus for earning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification.
The Zimbabwe leader has recognized the Warriors’ efforts after they emerged from the challenges of COVID-19 and subsequent FIFA ban to mount a strong return to AFCON after finishing second to Cameroon in Group J.
When he hosted Michael Nees’ side at the State House in Harare on Tuesday, Mnangagwa, according to The Herald newspaper, described the AFCON qualification as inspiring the nation.
“This achievement is a beacon of hope for the youth and sends a powerful message that, with focus and teamwork, our nation can reach greater heights across any social and economic sphere,” he is quoted saying.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, the Warriors star winger Khama Billiat was short of words, saying he does not know yet what to do with such a huge amount of money.
“We are so happy to be recognized and have the President showing love…we really appreciate this and feel humbled. We truly appreciate the support. It is amazing. As for the $6,500, I don’t know what I am going to do with it. It is a lot of money that needs a lot of time to think,” Billiat said.
Zimbabwe is among the seven Southern African teams that have made the AFCON finals alongside Botswana, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique, South Africa and Comoros.
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