The Zimbabwean authorities’s announcement of a US$150,000 (R2 732 385) profitable bonus for every of the Warriors’ upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers has triggered frustration amongst Zimbabwean soccer followers, who’re uninterested in utilizing South African stadiums as ‘dwelling grounds’.
Zimbabwean Authorities Presents bonuses
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has provided US$150,000 (R2 732 385) per victory towards Benin and Nigeria. The entire bonus of US$300,000 (R5 464 770) has raised issues that the main focus ought to as a substitute be on long-term investments in soccer infrastructure.
This incentive goals to spice up the staff’s efficiency. Nevertheless, many see the gesture as a short-term resolution, whereas the underlying situation—the shortage of correct soccer stadiums—stays unresolved. Many supporters are uninterested in seeing the Warriors play their “dwelling” video games in South African stadiums.
Fan Reactions: A Name for Stadiums Over Bonuses
This debate has sparked heated discussions amongst Zimbabwean soccer followers. Many imagine the federal government ought to prioritise infrastructure over bonuses to safe the way forward for soccer. Responding to the federal government’s dedication, the followers took to social media to vent their frustrations.
@Panashe Matsikire: “Why doesn’t he help you in constructing stadiums , utilizing cash for fallacious issues. That quantity is so sufficient for Estadio De Rufaro to fulfill minimal Caf requirements”
@Isheanesu Ziyambi: “Pricey Emerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa , have you learnt why are we enjoying our dwelling matches subsequent door? Clearly sure ,are you able to please use that so known as “presidential help” to repair our dwelling stadiums ,please please we’re being mocked by our regional rivals for not having a single stadium. Please use that cash to repair at the very least 1 zvaro“
@Jacky Mazuva: “A lot appreciated Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwaa. It is a good motivation for our gamers. I pleed with you Mr President to fastforward the renovation of the Nationwide Sports activities Stadium in order that our boys will play their dwelling matches right here in Zimbabwe“
A Rising Concern: The Use of South African Stadiums
The problem of utilizing South African stadiums for Zimbabwe’s “dwelling” fixtures has been a supply of dissatisfaction for a lot of followers, who see it as a blow to nationwide satisfaction. Soccer followers have lengthy anticipated Zimbabwe, with its wealthy footballing historical past, to host worldwide matches on dwelling soil.
The Nationwide Sports activities Stadium in Harare was as soon as a beacon of satisfaction. Nevertheless, years of neglect and poor upkeep have severely deteriorated its services. The stadium, together with Barbourfields in Bulawayo, has failed to fulfill the required requirements for worldwide matches. In consequence, the Warriors have been compelled to play their dwelling video games in neighboring South Africa.
The Warriors now play in South Africa at venues like FNB Stadium and Moses Mabhida Stadium resulting from infrastructure challenges.
Zimbabwe faces Benin in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 20 March.
How do you’re feeling about Zimbabwe utilizing South African stadiums as their dwelling grounds?
Tell us by leaving a remark beneath, or ship a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African web site’s newsletters and observe us on WhatsApp, Fb, X and Bluesky for the most recent information.
