PDP hails Warriors but bemoans Zimbabwe’s crisis

By Tatenda Dewa | Harare Bureau |

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the senior soccer team, the Warriors, for a victory over Malawi that has given them the ticket to the 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Warriors on Sunday broke a 10-year jinx through a 3-0 win over the Flames of Malawi at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

They will represent the nation in Gabon in January next year after last qualifying for the continental tourney under Charles Mhlauri in 2006.

“The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the national football team, the Warriors, and the people of Zimbabwe for qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations to be played in Gabon,” said party spokesperson, Jacob Mafume, in a statement.

“The win is refreshing news for Zimbabweans as it comes when the Mighty Warriors will the take part later this year in another international tournament at the Olympics in Brazil,” he added.

Mafume hailed the Warriors for its fighting spirit and teamwork, saying the victory must be “embraced by all Zimbabweans who are now facing daily hardships as the country’s economy continues to slide”.

“After years of near misses and heartbreak, the Warriors on Sunday finally found their winning formula and gave hope to the people of Zimbabwe that nothing is impossible in achieving your goals.

“It is, however, disheartening that the win on Sunday gets overshadowed by the day to day suffering that the people are going through. Thousands of people are spending days sleeping outside banks as they fail to withdraw their salaries,” said Mafume.

Zimbabwe has been hit by a biting cash shortage that is reminiscent of the economic crisis from 2000 to 2009 before the formation of a unity government.

Commodities are disappearing from shops as production declines in the manufacturing sector due to the cash crunch. Nehanda Radio