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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Under-23 squad is through to the next and final stage of the All-Africa Games qualifiers without kicking a ball after their preliminary round opponents, Swaziland pulled out due to financial challenges. Zimbabwe were meant to clash with their Southern African neighbours next week but following the pullout, Zimbabwe will now face continental giants Cameroon with the winner proceeding to the Congo-Brazzaville Games in September.

The Under-23s were meant to troop into the Zifa Village in Harare today but the camp has since been called off.

Zifa communications manager, Xolisani Gwesela said the team would continue its preparations but not as had been scheduled before the cancellation of the Swaziland tie.

“Against the background of this unfortunate development we have postponed the camp to a date which we will announce in due course. We won’t sit on our laurels but we are planning a vibrant and ambitious camping and training programme,” said Gwesela.

National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) chief executive officer, Frederick Mngomezulu referred Chronicle Sport to Caf but in his letter to the continental football body written on January 23, he cited unforeseen financial constraints.

“NFAS hereby kindly, with deep regret, forwards to Caf the withdrawal of her U-23 men’s national team (Olympic team) from the All-Africa Games qualifiers and competition.

“It has been very difficult to come to this decision given the commitment of the NFAS towards all activities of Caf, including the participation in all Caf competitions but lack of finances (unforeseen) to prepare and honour the forthcoming matches, including all associated expenses, caused the NFAS to come to this painful decision to withdraw its team,” Mngomezulu wrote.

The young Warriors were expected to troop into camp today ahead of the encounter which was scheduled for next weekend in Swaziland but as it stands the Zimbabwe Football Association awaits formal communication from Caf regarding the way forward.