With less than 30 hours before the Warriors take on neighbours Botswana in the opening 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match at the giant National Sports stadium in Harare, the kit that the team intends to use is held up by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, 263Chat has learnt.
The Warriors take on the Zebras tomorrow evening with coach Joe Antipas’ hoping to take three points and increase chances of another dance at the continental tourney.
However, some bureaucratic actions have seen the Umbro kit which the Warriors intend to use for tomorrow’s match held up at the Zimra offices despite the kit sponsor having sent the parcel in time for the game.
A reliable source from Zimra told this publication that certain procedures were to be followed for the kit to be cleared and above all, as Zimra they were not a in a position to tell whether these have to be cleared for free or some kind of duty has to be paid.
“Yes, the kit belongs to the Warriors, our national soccer team, but we can’t just do things our own way. Certain procedures have to be followed for the kit to be cleared. We are not even sure whether the kits are to be released for free or certain amount of money has to be paid,” said the source.
However, contacted for comment Zifa Communications personnel Xolisani Gwesela said he was not in a position to comment on the matter as he is yet to be briefed on the latest developments on the matter.
“I am yet to be briefed on the matter,” said Gwesela.
This publication understands that Zifa officials have been desperately been trying to get the equipment, which they believe shouldn’t be levied any duties, since it’s coming to be used by the country’s senior national football team, but Zimra had other ideas.
The parcel is said to be comprising of AFCON and World Cup qualifiers kits as well as kits for other competitions like CHAN.
After the Zebras match, the Warriors will travel to face Zambia in Lusaka.
