In a big boost for the Warriors ahead of AFCON 2017 , ZIFA has transferred the first batch money to the player’s account.

Money issues has earlier threatened to disrupt the Warriors preparations for the tournament and eventually a deal was reached following government intervention.

The deal struck saw the Warriors promised $5000 in appearance fees for each of the Group games ,while winning bonuses were pegged at $6000 per game.

However they had been concerns on whether ZIFA would fulfil its end of the deal especially in light of the associations chequered past.

But to its credit the association has released the first batch of money.

ZIFA executive member of finance Philemon Machana confirmed that the association had transferred $15 000 to each player for the three group games.

In addition each player who was in camp was given $1500 at a rate of $150 for each day spent in camp. The Warriors had been in camp for 10 days.

In total  Machana says $550 000 has been disbursed to the squad already. Players who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that the money had been received.

The development has in no doubt increased the mood in the Warriors camp with players now focused on doing well at the tournament.