There was no bus to ferry the Zimbabwe national team back to their hotel, which left them stranded for a number of hours, following their 3-0 defeat by the highly skilled Samba Boys of Brazil. (Pictured: Brazils captian Lucio He and his Samba Boys were given all the attention
The Warriors played the five times world champions in a friendly international at the National Sports Stadium in Harare last Wednesday.
The bus, belonging to Munandi Travel and Tours, whose office are along Nkrumah avenue in the capital, was one of two luxury buses hired by ZIFA to ferry the Samba Boys and Warriors to and from the match venue.
Efforts to get a comment from the authorities were in vain as access to the offices this morning was blocked, with employees insisting on an appointment.
The focus has always been on the Brazilians in terms of security, money, transport and everything that matters. We have been going for training in our own vehicles until yesterday (last Wednesday). It is so frustrating that we are now being dumped like this when we are being used to make millions for them, one player said.
You must have seen how we were being treated. No one ever noticed we were at the same hotel with the Samba Boys. I feel abused, complained another player who opted to remain anonymous.
There were reports that the Ministry of Tourism paid a staggering US$1.8 million and provided a stay at the Victoria Falls to lure the Brazilian team into playing against Zimbabwe. .
But nothing was said concerning payment and allowances for the Zimbabwe national team, who were seen leaving the ZIFA house in their own vehicles last Monday for training.
Meanwhile there was tight security at the Rainbow Towers where the Brazilians were staying with some motorists being diverted to either park outside or at the Rowan Martin parking lot. Police and CIO put up a human shield from the hotel lobby to the bus.
Even the Iranian President was not accorded this type of protection during his visit to Zimbabwe in April.
Post published in: Football