PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has been presented with the newly unveiled Warriors jersey that Zimbabwe will wear at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), in a symbolic gesture that has further energised the national team’s preparations for the continental football showpiece.
The presentation was made by Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi, who handed over the kit to the Head of State ahead of the Warriors’ imminent departure for the tournament. The moment was widely seen as a show of national unity and institutional support for the senior men’s football team as it prepares to compete on Africa’s biggest football stage.
The unveiling of the new jersey comes at a critical time for the Warriors, who are entering the final phase of their AFCON preparations. With expectations steadily rising, the kit presentation has been interpreted as both a morale booster for the players and a signal of confidence from the country’s leadership in the team’s ability to represent Zimbabwe with pride.
The occasion followed President Mnangagwa’s release of US$400 000 last week to support the Warriors’ AFCON campaign. The financial injection is aimed at addressing key logistical and technical requirements, including travel arrangements, accommodation, training facilities, and other essential aspects that ensure the team is well-prepared for the rigours of the tournament.
Government officials and football administrators have described the funding as a timely intervention that allows the technical team to focus fully on performance without being distracted by off-field challenges. Over the years, inadequate resources have often hampered national team preparations, making the latest support a welcome development for players, coaches, and supporters alike.
Mnangagwa Presented with Warriors Jersey Ahead of AFCON Campaign
ZIFA president Magwizi said the presentation of the jersey to the Head of State symbolised a shared national commitment to the success of the Warriors. He noted that AFCON is not only a football competition but also a platform for national pride, unity, and international visibility.
“The Warriors carry the hopes of the nation, and it is important that they feel supported at every level,” said Magwizi. “This jersey represents the country, its people, and its aspirations, and presenting it to the President is a way of acknowledging the role of leadership in supporting sport.”
President Mnangagwa has consistently emphasised the importance of sport as a unifying force and a tool for youth development. His administration has, on several occasions, pledged to support national teams participating in international competitions, viewing sport as a key component of national development and international engagement.
The Warriors are expected to depart for Morocco in the coming days, where the tournament will be hosted. As departure day approaches, final squad selections are being fine-tuned, with the technical team assessing player fitness, form, and tactical balance. Training sessions have intensified, focusing on cohesion, match sharpness, and strategic adaptability against a variety of opponents.
Team officials have indicated that the coaching staff is working to instil discipline and confidence within the squad, while also emphasising the importance of mental strength at a tournament as demanding as AFCON. With matches often decided by fine margins, preparation off the pitch is regarded as just as important as performance on it.
The newly unveiled jersey itself has already generated excitement among football fans, many of whom see it as a symbol of a fresh chapter for the Warriors. Supporters have taken to social media to express their approval of the design and to rally behind the team, calling for unity and unwavering support throughout the tournament.
For the players, the jersey represents more than just match attire. It embodies national identity, responsibility, and the opportunity to inspire millions of Zimbabweans at home and abroad. Several senior players have previously spoken about the pride associated with wearing the national colours and the motivation it brings when stepping onto the pitch at major tournaments.
As Zimbabwe prepares to take its place among Africa’s footballing nations at AFCON, hopes are high that adequate preparation, strong leadership, and collective support will translate into competitive performances. While the Warriors face stiff opposition, the prevailing mood is one of cautious optimism and belief.
The presentation of the Warriors jersey to President Mnangagwa has therefore been viewed as a fitting send-off, reinforcing national confidence and rallying the country behind its team. As the countdown to AFCON continues, Zimbabweans will be watching closely, united in their support and hopeful that the Warriors will rise to the occasion and make a lasting impression on the continental stage.
