Warriors defeat blamed on corruption

The Chronicle

By Lillian Sibanda

15 October 2012

THE Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture David Coltart has blamed the Warriors’ defeat on poor administration and

corruption that is clouding Zimbabwean football.

His comments come after the Warriors lost 2-0 to the Palancas Negras of Angola at the 11 November Stadium on Sunday.

The defeat cost the nation the chance to play in the African Cup of Nations that will be held in South Africa next year.

“When we clean up Zimbabwe football and rid it of political influence, we will start getting better results on the field, the two are linked,” posted the Minister on his twitter account.

He expressed disappointment at the defeat but felt the Rahman Gumbo coached boys put up a good performance.

“I am reluctant to blame the players who I think tried their hardest — some really put their all into it. We just need to sort out the administrative side of the game. Believe you me I am doing everything within my limited powers to clean up the mess.

“The problem is fundamentally administrative, too much politics, abuse of office, corruption in football affects everything,” charged Coltart.

“Along with the rest of Zimbabwe, I am bitterly disappointed with our failure to qualify for the 2013 African Cup of Nations. But it was so close and well done,” he said.

It was a dark sporting weekend for Zimbabwe as four other representative sides were on the losing end.

The Young Warriors succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Congo Brazzaville in a African Youth Championship qualifier on Saturday while the Mighty Warriors were hit 0-1 by Banyana Banyana.

The hockey women’s side lost 0-2 to Kenya while their male counterparts were thrashed 11-0 by South Africa.

The final blow came on Sunday when the senior team lost to Angola.

Coltart urged Zifa to wrap up the investigations into the infamous Asiagate scandal so that the nation can be able to move on and focus on the future.

“Now we need to analyse the Asiagate report this week and continue the process of cleaning up and de-politicising Zimbabwe football,” he said.