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Xolisani Gwesela

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE’S African Nations Championships prospects could go up in smoke if beleaguered Zifa fail to secure a Charter flight to Comoros Islands for the Warriors’ preliminary round, second leg tie next Saturday.

Zifa revealed yesterday that they were negotiating with Air Zimbabwe for a charter flight after it became apparent that it was the only option left available if the Warriors are to fulfil their assignments.

Callisto Pasuwa’s men took a healthy 2-0 lead in the first leg at Rufaro last weekend with goals either side of the break by Hwange’s Evans Rusike and substitute Marshal Mudehwe of FC Platinum handing them the advantage.But that crucial win could count for nothing should Zifa fail to secure a charter flight to the Indian Ocean islands where commercial flights are not regularly available.

Zifa spokesman Xolisani Gwesela admitted as much yesterday in a statement posted on the association’s website.

It also emerged last night that while Air Zimbabwe had opened communication lines with Zifa the national airline was reluctant to deal with the association without a guarantee, notably from government.

Sources said one of the sticking points was that Zifa still owed Air Zimbabwe money from previous assignments undertaken in similar fashion. “Zifa have previously chartered planes from Air Zimbabwe and there are some funds that are owing so in this latest case, Air Zimbabwe would want some form of guarantee from the government or a sponsor that can bail out Zifa.

“It’s very difficult to fly to Comoros on commercial flights although it’s cheaper with each return ticket costing $2,500 but it would also mean spending seven days away. “Comoros also spent seven days on the road including match day when they came here and now that the Warriors can’t be on the Kenyan Airways flight to Comoros, they would have to bank on the charter being arranged,’’ the sources said.

Gwesela, however, remained optimistic that a deal would be thrashed that will result in the Warriors flying in time for their match next Saturday.