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