President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s $150,000 winning bonus for the Zimbabwe Warriors ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria has sparked debate. On one hand, the generous offer is a testament to the government’s commitment to national football and the team’s aspirations for World Cup qualification ¹. The bonus, which will be awarded to the players, technical team, and support staff for each victory, serves as a morale booster for the team.

However, some might argue that this donation could be a curse in disguise. With the team’s current ranking at sixth in Group C, the pressure to secure victories in both matches and claim the full $300,000 bonus might be overwhelming. This added pressure could potentially negatively impact the team’s performance.

Additionally, the timing of the donation raises questions. Is this a genuine attempt to support the team, or a political move to gain popularity? The fact that this amount is in addition to the $1 million already set aside by the government for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Finals adds to the skepticism.

Ultimately, only time will tell if Mnangagwa’s cash donation will prove to be a blessing or a curse for the Warriors.