Herald
2 June 2010
By Petros Kausiyo, Sydney Kawadza and Innocent Ruw
World soccer heavyweights Brazil arrived in Harare last night for their high-profile international friendly against Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
The Samba Boys touched down at the Harare International Airport to a welcome befitting of five-time world champions by senior Government officials, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority staff, Zifa representatives and a scores of football connoisseurs.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi; his Education, Sports, Art and Culture counterpart David Coltart; Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and the Minister of Information Communication Technology Nelson Chamisa led the colourful crowd that braved the chilly weather at the airport and waited patiently for more than an hour for the Samba Boys’ arrival.
Warriors skipper Benjani Mwaruwari – accompanied by team manager Sharrif Mussa and assistant coach Brenna Msiska – were on hand to welcome the Samba Boys.
Soccer fans and officials started trekking to the airport in the early hours of the evening, while some opted to wait at the Samba Boys’ base at the Rainbow Towers.
Brazil coach Dunga, who captained Brazil to World Cup glory in 1994, led the 23-man squad of stars from the plane to a rousing welcome.
The 126-member Brazilian delegation flew in from South Africa aboard a chartered flight for the encounter that has gripped the nation and attracted global attention.
Brazil are among the favourites to win the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup in South Africa that kicks off next week and are using the game against the Warriors as a tune-up for the football extravaganza.
Soon after their arrival, the team was whisked to their hotel amid tight security.
But that did not stop global icons like Kaka, Robinho, Elano, Lucio, Juan from taking time to take bow and wave to adoring fans.
The cheering crowd at Rainbow Towers went into frenzy when Benjani and Robinho – former teammates at English Premiership side Manchester City – hugged each other and conversed.
However, with security so tight, there was no chance for the fans including children, to get Kaka and company to sign autographs.
A few did manage to get closer to the Real Madrid midfielder – the second most expensive player ever – and get a handshake they undoubtedly will tell their own children about.
Rainbow Towers’ front office staff was clad in gold and green Brazil replica jerseys.
In an interview just before the Samba Boys’ arrival, Minister Mzembi said the imminent touch down of the world’s most decorated soccer team was one on the face of those who doubted Zimbabwe’s plans to market the country to the globe.
“The Samba Boys are in Zimbabwe to give the people a unique experience that can only be repeated in 2034, if we are lucky to be alive by then and will be repeated again in 2058 if we will be able to outlive 2034,” Minister Mzembi said.
This was in reference to the rotational system currently employed to ensure every continent hosts the Fifa World Cup, which will see Africa next entertaining the fiesta in 2034.
Minister Mzembi described the long journey and hard work behind setting up the match as one of “ups and downs”.
Minister Coltart added: “This is one of the most exciting sporting occasions that Zimbabwe has ever seen.
“This goes way beyond sport and it’s more about the importance of re-branding of the country.
“There is huge interest in this match and it gives the opportunity to portray Zimbabwe in a positive light.”
Benjani, who has recovered from a nagging knee problem to lead the Warriors in their biggest international assignment ever, said his troops were “excited about the match’’ and were geared to give their best this afternoon.
“We are here to welcome the Brazilians. We are taking this game seriously and the boys were really working hard (at training) and we are looking forward to come out with a win,’’ Benjani said.
The game kicks off at 3:30pm at the National Sports Stadium.