The Zimbabwe national team squad arrived in Egypt as a team to take part in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, but when they left they had to go as individuals.
According to sources close to the team, ZIFA told the players the federation's coffers were dry and they had to buy their own plane tickets to return to their different destinations.
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Most people were shocked when they saw arguably the COSAFA region's most talented squad underperform in Egypt. At one stage ZIFA even threatened to pull the team out in the middle of the tournament when players asked about their promised bonuses.
"Some players are still stuck in Zim, I understand there are issues with their travel tickets," a source tells snl24.com/kickoff.
"I gather they have no money for tickets. Tickets from Egypt to their respective places. ZIFA man, I understand even the hundreds of supporters they took there are stranded. They chartered a flight for supporters on an all-expenses-paid ten days... now they can't pay for their returns. I am talking to some players who tell me there are no tickets."
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A second source confirmed the news.
"Well the players are back now, they booked flights themselves to Jozi, some to Zim. They [ZIFA] say they don't have money, they are waiting for the money from CAF," the source adds.
"Other players had to book for those who didn't have money so they could just go. But the players they won't tell you because they are afraid of ZIFA, to be banned and stuff, you know our country. You know the story."