Jere Urges State to Fully Fund National Teams, Citing Welfare and Performance

MP Farai Jere has urged the government to fully fund Zimbabwe’s national teams at international tournaments, citing player welfare, motivation and performance ahead of Afcon 2025 (image source)

Member of Parliament Farai Jere has called on the government to assume full financial responsibility for Zimbabwe’s national teams whenever they compete in international tournaments, arguing that player welfare, motivation and preparation can no longer be left to under-resourced sporting associations.

Jere, who is president of CAPS United and chairs the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, said his committee is pushing for a policy shift that places the funding and welfare of national teams squarely under the state. He was speaking on the sidelines of a Warriors farewell dinner held last week ahead of Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) campaign in Morocco later this month.

For years, the responsibility of motivating and catering for national teams has largely rested with associations such as the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa), often with limited direct financial backing from government. Jere said this arrangement has repeatedly exposed players to uncertainty and demoralisation at major tournaments.

“In all progressive and sports-successful nations, governments take responsibility for their national teams,” Jere said. “At a stage like Afcon, if you look at the countries that have done well, motivation plays a huge role. Players need incentives. When representing your country, that should be their moment to live like kings — not in poverty.”

Jere revealed that his committee successfully lobbied Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube to increase funding for sport in the 2026 national budget, resulting in an allocation of ZiG841,4 million (approximately US$32 million) to the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.

“If you followed the budget debates, we engaged the Minister of Finance extensively and pushed for an increase towards sports development,” he said. “The minister listened, especially on issues around national team welfare.”

He stressed that the proposed policy shift should apply across all sporting codes, not just football.

“It’s not only about soccer. Even our hockey teams, including the ladies, deserve proper support. Once a team qualifies for an international tournament, the government must immediately step in,” Jere said.

While Ncube has yet to outline the full extent of state support for the Warriors’ Afcon campaign, the farewell dinner provided a morale boost. Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe revealed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa personally donated US$400 000 from his own funds towards the team’s welfare.

Jere welcomed the President’s gesture but emphasised the need for sustained, institutionalised government backing rather than ad hoc interventions.

“We are confident the government will play its part to ensure the team is fully taken care of,” he said.

He also urged the private sector to re-engage with Zifa, citing improved governance under its new leadership.

“The association is regaining credibility under Nqobile Magwizi. There have been clear improvements in administration and governance, and that should attract corporate support,” Jere said.

The Warriors are expected to depart for Morocco tomorrow ahead of their Group B opener against Egypt on December 22. Zimbabwe will also face South Africa and Angola as they pursue a historic first progression to the Afcon knockout stages.