Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Augustine Hwata
12 November 2009
Harare — ZIFA have expressed their profound gratitude to the Government for the support they rendered to the association towards the hosting of the Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup recently.
Befittingly, Zimbabwe lifted the Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup following a 3-1 win over Zambia at Rufaro on November 1.
Zambia took the lead through Henry Banda, who stunned the hosts in the 25th minute, but Nyasha Mushekwi found the equaliser in the 28th minute before the CAPS United striker added his second of the day in the 36th minute.
Cuthbert Malajila beat the half-time whistle to increase the lead.
Among the crowd at Rufaro was President Mugabe, who officiated at the awards ceremony.
It has been a long time since President Mugabe came to a football match until the Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup final.
After Zimbabwe's victory, President Mugabe said the Warriors victory had united the nation in many aspects.
Just two days before the Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup had exploded into life, President Mugabe had addressed the Warriors at State House and urged them to fly the Zimbabwean flag high.
Thirteen countries took part in the Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup, which Cosafa president Seketu Patel described as the best ever.
Zimbabwe, through the Government, gave US$1 million while the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chipped in with US$300 000 towards the staging of the two-week event.
Yesterday Zifa paid tribute to the Government for the support.
In a letter addressed to President Mugabe, Zifa chief executive Henrietta Rushwaya said it was because of Cosafa that Zimbabwe managed to rebrand itself.
"As an association, we are proud of the support the Government rendered towards the tournament which has already received endorsement as one of the best tournaments ever from the Cosafa executive committee.
"We shall continue to use football events like the just-ended tournament to reposition and rebrand the beautiful nation of Zimbabwe," read part of Rushwaya's letter to President Mugabe.
Zifa made special mention to President Mugabe for the support.
"We hereby place on record our profound gratitude and appreciation to your esteemed office and person for the support rendered towards the successful hosting of the just-ended 2009 Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup.
"The entire family of football would like to thank you Your Excellency for providing guarantees to Cosafa in terms of the Government of Zimbabwe's commitment to underwrite the tournament's costs and logistical requirements," Rushwaya said.
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