Warriors' new AFCON kit sparks fan outrage

Zimbabwean football fans have expressed widespread disappointment following the unveiling of the national team's new kit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco later this month. The Warriors, drawn in Group B, will face Egypt on 22 December, Angola on 26 December, and South Africa on 29 December. Instead of generating excitement, the kit has provoked criticism across social media, with supporters describing it as uninspiring, cheap-looking, and "the ugliest in Warriors' history."

Much of the backlash is linked to ZIFA's decision to present the same design in three different colours, a move many fans felt undermined the credibility of the national kit design competition held earlier this year. ZIFA announced on 22 July that the winning design, by "Gallant," had been selected from 12 finalists who were shortlisted following a nationwide call for designers. The selection committee was chaired by Dr. Crispen Sachikonye and included Footballers Association of Zimbabwe president Desmond Maringwa, Sapi Bachi, Brett vaRooyen, Eb Ayisa, Danayi Madondo, and Carl Ncube.

Despite the competition's promise of innovation and fan involvement, many supporters felt shortchanged by the final product. Prominent sports journalist Yvonne Tendai Mangunda criticised the decision to replicate the same design across multiple colours, while other fans took to Facebook to voice their disapproval, calling the kit "painfully ugly" and questioning its value at US$50. Football blogger Makomborero Mutimukulu described the jersey as "beyond ugly" and argued that even the players appeared embarrassed during the reveal. He also warned that the fabric might not withstand the rigours of AFCON matches and criticised ZIFA for attempting to manufacture its own kit rather than partnering with established sportswear brands.

Social media reactions combined humour with frustration, with comments ranging from comparisons to school uniforms to general bewilderment at the design choices. One user noted, "When national colours spark both pride and memes," reflecting the mix of humour and dismay circulating online.

Despite the uproar, ZIFA maintains that producing its own kits is part of a broader strategy to commercialise the Warriors' brand. President Nqobile Magwizi previously explained that local production could unlock significant revenue for football development. "If we manage to produce our own kits and sell for US$20 and sell three million kits per year, that is US$60 million. This is a move to unlock the value of the Warriors brand," Magwizi said when launching the competition.

The winning designer was tasked with creating three match-day kits - home, away, and alternative - as well as a new Warriors logo. This approach mirrors initiatives in countries like Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda, where federations have adopted localised kit production to reduce costs. Currently, Zimbabwe relies on Puma kits, which fans say are expensive, retailing for at least US$45.

Despite the criticism, the Warriors are expected to wear the Gallant-designed kit when they open their AFCON campaign against Egypt on 22 December. While debate over the kit's appearance continues online, the team faces the dual challenge of meeting fan expectations both on and off the pitch.