Barcelona legends and Zimbabwe to clash in November

Edgar Davids

Wednesday Aug 16, 2017. 12:00

Latest information from Zimbabwe is that the country's ministry of Sport and Recreation, ZIFA and private players are working on a funding structure that will bring Barcelona Legends to the country.

The Blaugrana legends are set to play the Warriors in the first week of November as it is reported that Barcelona Legends captain, Patrick Kluivert and the team's representative Rayco Garcia got the nod from the Government to stage the match.

Reports indicate that the former players, together with former Barca and Juventus midfielder, Edgar Davids arrived in the country on last week.

The duo met vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday at his offices and presented Barcelona shirts for the first family.

On Saturday they had a chance to meet President Mugabe in Gwanda when they attended the Presidential Youth interface rally.

According to All Africa Sports website, Sport and Recreation Minister, Makhosini Hlongwane said they have tied up all loose ends of the deal with the Barcelona Legends.

Hlongwane added that the match would be staged in the first week of November, and as part of promoting the game, Brazilian legend Ronaldinho would be coming in September.

"We will work on a structure to cater for the costs. The minister is working on the funding structure for the match, working with ZIFA, private players and the legends,” Hlongwane.

"We agreed to mount a series of promotional events to promote the match before it happens. As part of those events to promote the game, Ronaldinho will be coming in September.

“We agreed on a tournament between Barcelona Legends and the Warriors, the first week of November in Harare.

"ZIFA will guide us on which team will play on the day. They are responsible for the technical side of the game.

“The Minister said the tour by the legends is part of Sports Commission policy which has a key component of sports diplomacy.”