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ZIFA launches 'Go Warriors Fans' initiative
11 Jun 2025 at 17:53hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has launched a bold fan mobilisation campaign, "Go Warriors Fans," aimed at rallying nationwide support for the senior men's football team, the Warriors, ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament to be held in Morocco this December.
The initiative was officially unveiled on Tuesday during a public screening of Zimbabwe's COSAFA Cup clash against Mozambique in Harare, with ZIFA President Mr Nqobile Magwizi leading the launch.
If the current team selection trend continues, there are concerns that ZIFA's fan mobilisation initiative may struggle to gain meaningful traction. Critics argue that the Warriors squad is increasingly perceived as a "Harare Select," a perception that risks alienating supporters from other regions the campaign seeks to engage.
Speaking to a cheering crowd, Mr Magwizi called on Zimbabweans at home and abroad to unite behind the Warriors and seize the opportunity to be part of what could be a historic AFCON campaign.
"We need as many Zimbabweans as possible in Morocco to support the Warriors. The 12th man plays a key role in our success. It's about unity and pride in our national identity," said Magwizi. "Rather than waiting until December, we are urging people to begin making arrangements now. The platform we have created as an association will assist those who wish to travel and witness Zimbabwe's performance on the continental stage."
ZIFA is facilitating travel logistics for fans and encouraging early preparations to ensure strong local representation in Morocco. However, the campaign is not limited to international travel.
ZIFA General Secretary Mrs Yvonne Mapika Manwa said the initiative would extend domestically, with the establishment of fan parks in rural communities, allowing supporters in remote areas to follow the Warriors' journey in real time.
"Communities in rural areas form a significant part of our national support structure. It is imperative that they too have access to the AFCON experience," said Manwa. "This initiative is about national inclusion and giving every Zimbabwean a chance to be part of the Warriors' journey."
Ms Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa, Vice Chairperson of the AFCON Committee, also emphasized the role of community engagement and inclusivity in building a sustainable fan culture.
"Football is a people's game," she said. "Our goal is to decentralise the game. Regardless of age, gender, or background, every Zimbabwean must feel part of this journey. Let the nation unite and chant ‘Go Warriors, Go'. This campaign is for everyone."
Zimbabwe has qualified for five AFCON tournaments in the past but has never progressed beyond the group stages. With growing anticipation and national optimism, the "Go Warriors Fans" campaign is expected to energise both the squad and supporters as they prepare for what many hope will be a historic tournament.
The initiative was officially unveiled on Tuesday during a public screening of Zimbabwe's COSAFA Cup clash against Mozambique in Harare, with ZIFA President Mr Nqobile Magwizi leading the launch.
If the current team selection trend continues, there are concerns that ZIFA's fan mobilisation initiative may struggle to gain meaningful traction. Critics argue that the Warriors squad is increasingly perceived as a "Harare Select," a perception that risks alienating supporters from other regions the campaign seeks to engage.
Speaking to a cheering crowd, Mr Magwizi called on Zimbabweans at home and abroad to unite behind the Warriors and seize the opportunity to be part of what could be a historic AFCON campaign.
"We need as many Zimbabweans as possible in Morocco to support the Warriors. The 12th man plays a key role in our success. It's about unity and pride in our national identity," said Magwizi. "Rather than waiting until December, we are urging people to begin making arrangements now. The platform we have created as an association will assist those who wish to travel and witness Zimbabwe's performance on the continental stage."
ZIFA is facilitating travel logistics for fans and encouraging early preparations to ensure strong local representation in Morocco. However, the campaign is not limited to international travel.
ZIFA General Secretary Mrs Yvonne Mapika Manwa said the initiative would extend domestically, with the establishment of fan parks in rural communities, allowing supporters in remote areas to follow the Warriors' journey in real time.
"Communities in rural areas form a significant part of our national support structure. It is imperative that they too have access to the AFCON experience," said Manwa. "This initiative is about national inclusion and giving every Zimbabwean a chance to be part of the Warriors' journey."
Ms Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa, Vice Chairperson of the AFCON Committee, also emphasized the role of community engagement and inclusivity in building a sustainable fan culture.
"Football is a people's game," she said. "Our goal is to decentralise the game. Regardless of age, gender, or background, every Zimbabwean must feel part of this journey. Let the nation unite and chant ‘Go Warriors, Go'. This campaign is for everyone."
Zimbabwe has qualified for five AFCON tournaments in the past but has never progressed beyond the group stages. With growing anticipation and national optimism, the "Go Warriors Fans" campaign is expected to energise both the squad and supporters as they prepare for what many hope will be a historic tournament.
Source - businessdaily.co.zw
