Raymond Jaravaza
THE Zimbabwe Football Association will leave no stone unturned in making sure that the country’s sole representatives in the Caf Champions League are granted a special waiver to fully prepare for the continental tournament in the mid of continued lockdowns to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.
By virtue of being the 2019 champions, FC Platinum will represent the country in the African safari in the 2021/ 22 season.
No football was played in the 2020 local season and the Confederation of African Football asked Zimbabwe to field a team that last won the championship.
With the Government suspending all sporting activities due to the spiking Covid-19 cases, Zifa says they will engage the Sports and Recreation Commission to give the green light for FC Platinum to prepare for the continental assignments coming up in a few months.
Zifa competitions and communication manager Xolisani Gwesela said the association was going to seek government authority early so that FC Platinum are not prejudiced of crucial time for preparations like they did in the previous edition.
“We are going to apply to the Government through the Sport and Recreation Commission so that FC Platinum are going to be granted permission to train and prepare for the upcoming Champions League fixtures. It’s a process that has already started and we are hopeful of getting a positive response from the relevant authorities,” Gwesela said.
FC Platinum will be the country’s only representative in the continental club competitions after Highlanders opted not to participate in the Confederation Cup due to financial constraints.
South Africa will be represented by league champions Mamelodi Sundowns and either AmaZulu or Kaizer Chiefs.
Should Kaizer Chiefs win the Champions League on Saturday, they will join Sundowns in the tournament.
Zambia will be represented by Zesco United, a team that has Zimbabweans, Thabani Kamusoko and Tafadzwa Rusike, in their books.
