Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona has hailed his Southern African country’s sports authorities for ensuring that the Warriors’ players stay motivated ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearance in Cameroon.

Musona said this in the build up to Zimbabwe’s opening AFCON game for Group B against Senegal on Monday.

The Saudi Arabia Al-Tai striker spoke to Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Media to show appreciation that the authorities paid allowances for players in time, among other incentives.

“I would like to thank the Sports and Recreation Commission for their support in paying players’ allowances on time and the camping of the team in Cameroon since December 30 2021. This means a lot to the players and we really appreciate it,” he told ZIFA media.

“As players, we are extremely grateful because it shows us how much our government cares about us and football”.

Musona and Onismor Bhasera are among the few experienced soldiers in the depleted Warriors squad that will be without star players such as Khama Billiat, who retired, and injured Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba.

Meanwhile, the Warriors held their first training session in Bana at Stade Municipal Bafang in Cameroon on Thursday  afternoon.

ZIFA says the team will be staying in Bana, about 80 kilometers from Baffousam where the Warriors will play their opening game.

All 23 players save for Jordan Zemura have joined camp. Zemura is still to come due to the COVId-19 situation at his club, ZIFA says.

Zimbabwe are making their third successive AFCON appearance and fifth overall. They are in a group comprising of also Malawi and Guinea.