The election campaign gathering momentum in Zimbabwe has not helped the national soccer team, the Warriors, sources say, as top management of the Zimbabwe Football Association is reportedly too wrapped up in primary elections to mind business.
News reports and sports sources said ZIFA Chairman Wellington Nyatanga and his acting chief executive officer, Henrietta Rushwaya, had been preoccupied seeking nominations by the ruling ZANU-PF party to run for parliamentary seats.
Observers said the consequences could be serious for the Warriors national football team, which is aiming for the 2010 World Cup under a new coach hired from Brazil.
Jose Claudinei Georgini, known as Valinhos, was unable to launch training early this week due to logistical requirements that ZIFA had failed to address, sources said.
Sports commentator Michael Kariati told reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that the Warriors, who have been in camp training for a friendly match against Mozambique, might have to abandon their preparations due to the failure by ZIFA management to make the necessary arrangements.