Zimbabwe: Association Honours Victorious National Teams

Source from:  The Herald (Harare) 21 December 2007 12/26/2007

THE Zimbabwe National Supporters' Association yesterday hosted a reception for the three national teams that made the country proud in regional contests this month. The national Under-20, Under-17 and the Mighty Warriors were all honoured for their fine results in their recent matches. Both teams won against South African teams on their way to glory. Methembe Ndlovu's Young warriors crushed South Africa 3-0 in the final of the Under-20 championships in Mpumalanga. Rodwell Dhlakama's Under-17 team beat South Africa in a penalty shootout lottery in the final of the regional championships in Namibia. Moses Chunga's Mighty Warriors moved into the second round of their African Cup qualifiers after an impressive victory over Zambia. To honour their achievements, the ZNSSA yesterday hosted a reception at Jazz 105 in the capital graced by the leadership of domestic football. Josh Hozheri, the owner of Jazz 105 and a loyal supporter of the national football teams and Dynamos, was one of the key sponsors of the function. Savannah Tobacco - who have poured billions of dollars into local football through their sponsorship of Dynamos and Highlanders - also chipped in with a substantial amount. Lagoon Enterprises also helped with the sponsorship of the event. The Under-20 team won the Cosafa Championship while the Under-17 side also won the same tournament in their age-group. Zifa chairman Wellington Nyatanga praised the ZNNSA for honouring the three teams. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters' Association for the good gesture in honouring the victorious sides. "To the corporate world who have responded to the plea from ZNSSA, I would like to give you a pat on the back for making this occasion a success. "We want to tell people like Josh Hozheri of Jazz 105 and companies like Savannah Tobacco, CBZ Holdings, Nestle Zimbabwe and Innscor Zimbabwe that we want to work together towards qualification for 2010 World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifiers," said Nyatanga. ZNSSA leader Eddie "Mboma" Nyatanga, who organised the function, said the nation should always remember its heroes. "We felt that as ZNSSA we should be seen to be playing a leading role in making these young men and women feel that the nation appreciates what they have done for this country. "They never got the chance to mingle with their fans and we are happy that today they go that chance." Warriors cheerleader Chris "Romario" Musekiwa said the three teams were now the toast of the nation. "I would like to pay tribute to technical staff of the Under-20, Under-17 and Mighty Warriors for guiding their teams to glorious victories. "We shall continue in our endeavours to support all national teams and we are planning to hold fundraising activities in support of all national sides," said Musekiwa. Yesterday's ceremony was also attended by the Zifa chief executive Henrietta Rushwaya, Mighty Warriors coach Moses Chunga, team manager Charity Munemo, Warriors assistant manager Charles "Mafripa" Dzvairo, PSL fixtures secretary Godfrey Japajapa, prominent Warriors fan Paddington Japajapa and ZNSSA executive member Cain "Magents" Muzuva. A number of players from the three victorius national teams also attended. Enditem