Shyline Majaji
The Zimbabwe Football Association will use the Unity Cup in London to compete with purpose and strengthen national identity among Zimbabweans at home and abroad.
Speaking at the Warriors’ send-off ceremony ahead of the tournament at The Valley from 26–30 May, ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said the team’s mission went beyond mere participation.
“I’m not going to the Unity Cup merely to participate. We are going there to compete with purpose, to represent Zimbabwe with pride and honour, and to continue building a team that can make the nation proud,” he said.
Magwizi said the tournament would also help connect Zimbabwe’s diaspora community through football.
“We also want to use this platform to connect with our diaspora community. Football is a unique way of bringing people home, even when they are thousands of kilometres away.
“The Unity Cup gives us an opportunity to unite Zimbabweans around one team, one flag, and one shared national identity,” said Magwizi.
He thanked the Government for its support and said the presence of senior officials showed that football remained a national priority.
“On behalf of ZIFA, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture for its continued support for football.
“Your presence here is a strong reminder that football remains a national priority and a powerful tool for unity and development,” Magwizi added.
The ZIFA president said progress in the national teams, grassroots football, and women’s football continued to be strengthened through the partnership with Government.