By Sports Reporter | Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has rewarded the national football team, the Warriors, with US$6,500 each for their successful qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Finals in Morocco. The technical team members were also included in this reward, recognizing their contributions to the victory. However, the bonus figure has sparked heated debate, with critics questioning its adequacy in light of global comparisons and other recent state payouts.
Praise for the Warriors’ Achievement
In a ceremony celebrating the team’s qualification, President Mnangagwa lauded the Warriors for their dedication and resilience, highlighting their role as ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s sporting excellence. “This achievement is a beacon of hope for our youth,” he remarked, emphasizing the positive message their success sends to aspiring athletes.
While many welcomed the gesture as a sign of national appreciation, others questioned whether the reward appropriately reflects the magnitude of the Warriors’ achievement compared to similar cases elsewhere in the world.
Global Comparison: Footballers vs. State Payouts
A stark comparison can be drawn between the bonuses given to athletes in Zimbabwe and those in other countries:
• In Senegal, after their national team won the 2021 AFCON, players were each rewarded with US$87,000 alongside plots of land in the capital Dakar and their hometowns.
• Egypt awarded its players up to US$52,000 each for reaching the finals of the same tournament in recent years.
• Even qualifiers in Nigeria reportedly received US$20,000 per match, far exceeding Zimbabwe’s figure.
A Domestic Controversy: Comparing the $6,500 to Other Payouts
The discussion has also turned to recent state expenditures within Zimbabwe. Critics have pointed to substantial sums of money disbursed to individuals who have not demonstrated tangible achievements. Notably, convicted individuals in France and similar payouts in Zimbabwe’s domestic sphere often amount to millions, despite these individuals’ lack of positive contributions to society.
The figure of US$6,500 has been described by some as an “insult,” given the Warriors’ hard-earned success on the international stage. Many argue that such symbolic gestures fail to adequately incentivize or reward athletes who represent the country with distinction.
The Bigger Picture
The disparity has prompted broader conversations about the prioritization of resources and the valuation of talent in Zimbabwe and beyond. While sporting achievements are celebrated with words of encouragement, the monetary rewards often pale in comparison to global standards or other state allocations.
What’s Next for the Warriors?
The Warriors now face the challenge of preparing for the 2025 AFCON Finals in Morocco. President Mnangagwa urged the team to remain patriotic and steadfast as ambassadors of Zimbabwe on the international stage. However, many are calling for greater structural support, financial investment, and incentives for the team to thrive against tougher competition.
Public Reaction
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from Zimbabweans, with some praising the gesture as a step in the right direction while others view it as a missed opportunity to align with international standards.
As the debate continues, many hope the government will revisit its approach to rewarding excellence, ensuring that those who bring pride and honor to the nation receive recognition that matches their contributions.
