Zimbabwe fans stranded in Pretoria after Mighty Warriors’ match

A posts on X have surfaced alleging that a group of Zimbabwean football fans who travelled to South Africa to support the national women’s football team, the Mighty Warriors, are now stranded in Pretoria with no clear way to return home.

Meanwhile, fans who traveled to watch the Mighty Warriors are stranded in Pretoria
Credits @makogold07 https://t.co/PSE5os3d2h pic.twitter.com/v0QiQA5h8h

— Tatenda Gondo (@_TatendaGondo) February 26, 2025

The match, which took place on 26th February 2025, was held at a neutral venue due to Zimbabwe’s ongoing stadium crisis, with no FIFA-approved venues available in the country.

The Mighty Warriors hosted the return leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.

According to a widely circulated Facebook post, fans embarked on the journey believing that organisers would provide provisions, including transport and meals.

However, it remains unclear how they initially arranged their travel to South Africa and there has been no independent verification of these claims.

Stranded fans face hunger and uncertainty

The post claims that organisers redirected the bus meant to transport fans back to Zimbabwe to Johannesburg, leaving them stranded.

These accounts await official confirmation, but concerns over the supporters’ welfare are growing.

The incident has reignited discussions about ZIFA‘s administrative and logistical challenges.

Critics argue that this is not the first time such an issue has occurred, pointing to similar incidents in 2024.

Financial mismanagement has burdened the association for years, with officials repeatedly failing to allocate resources effectively.

Previous reports cite missing financial documents and fund mismanagement, disrupting team preparations, travel, and support systems.

These ongoing challenges have created significant hardships for both players and supporters.

The situation also underscores broader infrastructural problems in Zimbabwean football, with teams compelled to play ‘home’ games abroad due to inadequate local facilities.

However,ZIFA has released a statement denying responsibility for the logistical challenges faced by fans.

According to the statement, supporters made the trip to Pretoria using a bus from Simba Bhora Football Club and found themselves stranded after the match.

ZIFA expressed sympathy for the fans’ situation and commended their dedication to the Mighty Warriors.

Meanwhile, the football community has expressed frustration in online discussions.

User 57fans commented expressing frustration, stating, “This is Zim for you, this will never change,”

Olebogang Shebo also commented urging fellow Zimbabweans in South Africa can step in to assist those stranded.

The authorities in Pretoria have not yet commented on the situation.

What should be done to prevent this from happening again?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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