The Zimbabwean government has confirmed that they have allocated a mouth-watering sum of $1 million (R18 million) for the national team following their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
A few weeks ago, the Warriors clinched qualification for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, joining eight other nations under COSAFA to qualify for Africa's biggest showpiece.
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This achievement marked the side's first qualification for the competition since 2021, as they missed the 2023 edition due to a ban by FIFA, which prevented them from competing in the qualifiers leading up to the most recent tournament.
Notably, Zimbabwe did not have a CAF- and FIFA-approved stadium, which forced them to rotate their home matches to venues in South Africa and Uganda.
Due to this, various high-ranking officials in Zimbabwean football have emphasised the need for proper infrastructure to enable the nation to host international fixtures on home soil.
The call has now been heard, as the country's finance minister announced that a budget has been allocated to refurbish the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
Moreover, the government department also revealed that the Warriors would receive $1 million for their preparations for AFCON 2025.
"Sports, arts and culture sectors contribute significantly to employment creation, as well as help mitigate drug and substance abuse, while also serving as catalysts for economic growth," said Zimbabwean finance minister Mthuli Ncube, according to The Chronicle.
"To support these sectors, ZiG888.4 million (approximately R220 million) has been allocated to the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
"This allocation is meant to facilitate country-wide identification and development of talent in sport, arts and culture among the youth, as well as the rehabilitation of national sports stadia, multi-purpose sports facilities and other recreation facilities across all provinces.
"Specifically, ZiG189 million (approximately R47 million) is meant to complete the renovations of the National Sports Stadium to make it usable during the year 2025.
"Government has also made a provision of US$1 million for the preparations and participation of the Zimbabwe National Football Team (Warriors) for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set for December 2025 in Morocco."
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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