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Xolisani Gwesela

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
CASH strapped Zifa have called off the Mighty Warriors’ international friendly match against Tanzania which was due to be played on Unity Day. Zifa cited financial difficulties as the  main reason for the cancellation of the friendly.

Instead Zifa have since advised regional and provincial leagues to organise football matches in honour of the landmark day.

The cancellation of the friendly, coming on the day that another international friendly between the Young Warriors and Iran meant for yesterday was also called off, was confirmed by the Zifa communications manager   Xolisani Gwesela.

On the Young Warriors match, Gwesela  said it was cancelled due to logistical  challenges which were beyond the association’s control.

The match in question was meant to take place in South Africa but the footballing world is still puzzled why it was kept a secret. World football body, Fifa, last month intervened and stopped the match which Zifa seems so eager to have played.

“We’d like to inform the nation and the football fraternity at large that the friendly match between Zimbabwe and Iran which was supposed to take place in South Africa on December 19 has been postponed to early 2015.

“The match has been delayed due to logistical challenges beyond the association’s control. Be that as it may, we remain confident that the Young Warriors will prepare adequately ahead of the Under-23 African Championship qualifiers,” Gwesela said.