Zimbabwe’s Team Issue Over, Undergo Final Training

Media reports revealed that a brief issue caused by Zimbabwe’s national soccer team is now over and that their match, scheduled against Egypt today at the beginning of AFCON, will take place on time.

Earlier, Zimbabwe players have warned that they were going to boycott the opening match against Egypt, reporting problems with the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).

Yesterday, they refused to take part in training in a bid to receive unpaid wages and bonuses.

When the Ambassador of Zimbabwe in Egypt, the issue was solved; the Zimbabwe national team is expectedly proceeding now with its final training before the match today.

Kickoff.com quoted Zimbabwean journalist Howard Musonza saying, "It is believed that the players were in negotiations with ZIFA, who were said to have been dishonest regarding the amounts the players were set to be allocated in appearance fees and allowances.

The Zimbabwe squad, which boasts of a large contingent of players who play their trade in the Absa Premiership, also reportedly accused ZIFA of not being transparent with the country's government about the team's payment structure.

"The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) would like to reiterate that the Warriors have remained focused ahead of opening Group A match against Egypt.. ZIFA and Warriors have signed a contract and both parties will honor and respect all contractual obligations,” a statement from ZIFA read. "ZIFA values the welfare of players and shall never abdicate its responsibilities.”