By Steve Vickers
BBC Sport, Harare |
 Mugabe promised further help for the team |
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has presented the national team with a US$130,000 reward for qualifying for the 2004 Nations Cup.
Mugabe gave the reward to the team during a reception at his official residence on Monday.
Although the Zimbabwean leader promised government support for the team's debut appearance at the Nations Cup in Tunisia, he was critical of the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa).
Leo Mugabe, the president's nephew, was Zifa chairman for nearly ten years until he was ousted last December, following a financial scandal.
"Why should there always be problems, chaos and corruption in Zifa?," asked Zimbabwe's president.
"Those who come into management must realise that they are managing Zifa on behalf of the whole nation."
Mugabe also said that he is looking forward to joking with his South African counterpart Thabo Mbeki about Zimbabwe's 1-0 win over South Africa in last weekend's Cosafa Cup quarter-final.
The government provided only token assistance for the team over the years, but took an interest when the team was within touching distance of a first-ever Nations Cup appearance.
Zimbabwe would have failed to fulfil their away fixture to Mali if the government had not rescued the team by chartering a plane when alternative travel arrangements fell through.
MMIX
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Why should there always be problems, chaos and corruption in Zifa? 