Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE government has hailed the Warriors for qualifying for the African Nations Championship (Chan) finals following their 4-2 aggregate win over Lesotho. The Chan finals will be held from January 16 to February 7 next year in Rwanda.
Zimbabwe drew 1-1 with Lesotho in Maseru on Sunday to go through after posting a healthy 3-1 home win at Barbourfields Stadium a week ago. Roderick Mutuma scored for Zimbabwe in the 34th minute before Lesotho equalised through an 83rd minute penalty in the stalemate.
The Warriors could have won the match had Dynamos defender Blessing Moyo converted his spot kick at the second attempt after the referee ordered a retake despite netting the initial kick.
“It’s a good achievement by our sportspersons. We indeed congratulate the boys for a job well done and urge them not to sit on their laurels, but instead prepare thoroughly for the finals set for Rwanda next year. Preparations haven’t been that smooth but the boys were able to put that behind them and we’re really proud of them,” said Ministry of Sport and Recreation principal director Benson Dube.
He said the ministry takes pride in the achievement by the Warriors; their fourth straight Chan qualification, having qualified for the first edition in 2009.
“Preparations must start now for the finals next year; we need not to relax,” said Dube.
Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane was among the fans cheering on the Warriors at the stadium in Maseru on Sunday. The Warriors returned home yesterday.