Zimbabwe has raised 16.5 billion Zimbabwean dollars (about 220,000 US dollars), off the required 65 billion Zimbabwean dollars (about 866,667 US dollars) for its soccer team to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt next month.

Tendai Savanhu, chairperson of the fund-raising committee, said on Friday that there has been an overwhelming response from the corporate world.

So far, Savanhu said, Caps Holdings has been the largest donor, pouring in 5 billion Zimbabwean dollars (about 66,667 US dollars).

"Thirty-five tables for the dinner dance that was set for the same day had been bought at 300 million dollars Zimbabwean dollars (about 4,000 US dollars) each," said Savanhu.

Of those who attended the press briefing were deputy Information and Publicity Minister Bright Matonga and Science and Technology deputy Minister Patrick Zhuwawo.

Also present was Masvingo South Member of Parliament Walter Mzembi, deputy minister of Youth Development and Employment Creation Saviour Kasukuwere and Zimbabwe Football Association chairman Rafik Khan.

The committee was about beating its target having managed to raise 25 percent of their target within two days of their having assumed duty.

The Zimbabwean government recently gave the Warriors 10 billion Zimbabwean dollars (about 133,333 US dollars)for the tournament in the national budget.

The squad is currently in camp preparing for the tournament.

Source: Xinhua