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Sikhumbuzo Moyo

ZIFA have turned down an offer for an international friendly match against Nations Cup 2013 participants Angola in South Africa today as a result of logistical problems.

The Angolans, responsible for Zimbabwe’s non- appearance at the Nations Cup finals in South Africa which kick off on the 19th of this month, had undertaken to pay for all the expenses, including bonuses on behalf of the cash-strapped Zifa.

“We could not take up the offer for various reasons but chiefly because our coach, Dieter Klauss Pagels only arrived in the country yesterday and we were yet to meet  him  to chart the way forward. We could not blindly take up the offer otherwise we could end up being punch bags,” said Zifa board member competitions, Benedict Moyo last night.

He said they will today hold a meeting with Pagels  and his technical team of assistant Lloyd Mutasa and goalkeepers’ coach Nkululeko Dlamini. Legendary Peter Nsukuzonke Ndlovu is still recuperating at home after a horrific car accident last month.

He is also the German’s assistant.

Moyo said in today’s meeting they will spell out their expectations and also hear what the coach expects from Zifa, ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier against the once mighty Egypt in March.

“Two West African countries, Nigeria and Ghana have indicated that they want to play against us in South Africa just before the Nations Cup finals roar into life later this month. We have not responded to their request as we were awaiting the return of Pagels. It’s all up to him really as we don’t want to put pressure on him,” said Moyo.

Pagels took over the Warriors top post after the resignation of Rahman Gumbo following Zimbabwe’s failure to qualify for the football jamboree. The Warriors were knocked out on an away goals rule after losing 2-0 in the return and final leg in Luanda, having beaten Angola 3-1 at Rufaro Stadium in the first leg.

Pagels’s appointment saw him becoming the fifth coach in two years to take charge of the national team since the Cuthbert Dube led board was sworn into office in 2010.