The Herald
Collin Matiza
26 August 2009
Harare — THE Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association have given their thumbs up to the Government following its decision to bankroll the staging of the 2009 Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup later this year.
The Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, David Coltart, revealed on Monday that the Government, through the Ministry of Finance, has agreed to release US$1 million that will help Zifa in staging the tournament in October.
Coltart also told a Press briefing that the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority will inject an additional US$100 300 that is needed for the same project.
And the ZNSSA yesterday welcomed the Government’s move to come to the rescue of Zifa, saying this wouldl not only promote the game in Zimbabwe but would put the country in good stead as a safe destination before next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.
Eddie “Mboma” Nyatanga, the ZNSSA leader, said the staging of the Cosafa tournament would give the nation the opportunity to show the rest of the world that “Zimbabwe was back on its feet as a united nation”.
“First of all we, as the ZNSSA, would like to thank the Zifa Board, especially its president Wellington Nyatanga, for affording this country the opportunity of hosting this prestigious tournament. “We would also like to thank our (inclusive) Government for agreeing to bankroll this tournament despite the harsh economic climate which this country is currently facing.
“This shows that it (the Government) is fully committed to the development of soccer and sport in general in this country. But the most important thing is that this tournament will give us the opportunity to show the rest of the world that we are capable of hosting teams that would like to use this country as their base during their preparations for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.
“We have some of the best facilities in the world, in terms of hotel accommodation and soccer training grounds, and the Cosafa tournament will help us in selling our product to the rest of the world,” Nyatanga said.
He also called upon all the key stakeholders of football in this country to rally behind Zifa in making the Cosafa tournament a success.
“The last thing we would like to hear about in the staging of this important tournament is greediness. We know that there are some sharks out there who are thinking that the staging of this tournament is an opportunity for them to make money or a killing through some unscrupulous deals.
“No! This tournament must benefit everyone and everybody, from Zifa, the local soccer players, clubs and all the major key stakeholders, must share this cake equally. “We have to come together as a nation and make sure that this tournament will be a resounding success.”
Nyatanga also saluted Coltart, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Walter Mzembi, and the Minister of Finance, Tendai Biti, for coming with the rescue package for Zifa.
“This goes to show not only the people of the southern African region and the continent but the rest of the world that our inclusive Government is working well,” said Nyatanga.
“It shows that we have all put our differences behind and are moving together as a united country and this should be applauded by all the peace-loving people.
“So, what we all need to do from now on is for everyone to work tirelessly in making sure that there won’t be any detractors and help in the successful staging of the Cosafa tournament in October.”