President Emmerson Mnangagwa hosted the Zimbabwe senior men’s football team at State House on Tuesday, December 3, to celebrate their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco, scheduled for December next year.
During the event, Mnangagwa awarded each player a cash prize of US$6,500. Players in attendance included Khama Billiat, Richard Hachiro, Brian Banda, Tymon Machope, Donovan Bernard, Emmanuel Jalai, Martin Mapisa, Walter Musona, Washington Arubi, Godknows Murwira, Obriel Chirinda, and Teenage Hadebe. Though some team members have since returned to their clubs abroad, they will still receive their share of the reward.
The technical staff, headed by German coach Michael Nees, also received the same cash bonus. In the 2025 national budget, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube allocated US$1 million to support the Warriors’ preparation for the AFCON finals.
In his speech, Mnangagwa praised the team for their achievement, calling it an inspiration to young athletes across the country. He said, “This accomplishment is a beacon of hope for our youth, demonstrating that with focus and teamwork, our nation can achieve success in all areas.”
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The president also welcomed Nees, who made history as the first foreign coach to guide the Warriors to the AFCON finals. As a gesture of appreciation, the Warriors presented Mnangagwa with a signed number 18 jersey.
Zimbabwe secured their place in the 2025 AFCON finals last month, finishing second in Group J, which included Cameroon, Kenya, and Namibia.
