Zhakata was the talk of social media after his arrival in Egypt last week, 50 days after starting a hitch-hiking adventure to watch the Africa Cup of Nations; it did not take much for CAF President Ahmad to catch wind of the story and decided to hand the young man a ticket home.<\/p>\n
His story got even better after Zhakata, who met the president on Wednesday morning, will get a VIP ticket to watch Friday night\u2019s final between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel so privileged and honored to have met the CAF president. This is no small thing because he is the highest in the echelon of African football,\u201d Zhakata said.<\/p>\n
The Zimbabwean saw his journey prolonged by visa hitches crossing over from Kenya to Ethiopia and later from Sudan to Egypt, all caused by political protests that were experienced coincidentally at the same time in Ethiopia and Sudan.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter all, I went through for 50 days, all I endured trying to cross all those borders and the frustrations and now seeing the president himself come and hand me this gift, I really feel thankful. I feel like I have made an impact in African football,\u201d Zhakata said.<\/p>\n
He arrived in Cairo on the day South Africa was eliminated by Nigeria in the quarter-finals and long after his favorite Warriors were boxed out of the competition. The following day, his third preferred team Madagascar lost to Tunisia in the quarters.<\/p>\n
But despite the football on the field not favoring his sacrifice, Zhakata says he feels more than proud to have achieved the feat that few people have boasted of achieving.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was planning to raise some funds to go back home because the journey took longer than expected and along the way I accumulated so much debt. But now, at least I can relax easy and enjoy some football. I am going home with a prestigious airline!\u201d said Zhakata.<\/p>\n
He plans to leave for Zimbabwe next week on Thursday as he plans to travel to the Red Sea, a symbolic place in the Biblical story of the Israelites journey from Egypt to their promised land. <\/p>\n
\u201cI need to go there to visit the place, say my prayer and mark another great day in my life. I believe it is symbolic,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Zhakata also said he has presented a petition to Ahmad to forward to the African Union on African traveling within the continent and visa requirements after his experiences.<\/p>\n
\nToday I met @AlvinZhakata<\/a>, a young man came from #Zimbabwe<\/a> to #Cairo<\/a> by foot to see the #AFCON2019<\/a>! He\u2019s the proof of passion that #Africa<\/a> give to #football<\/a>. What courage! I offered him in the name of #CAF<\/a> a #ticket<\/a> for the final game. He\u2019s true heart of our football! @CAF_Online<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ABHtJr7NP7<\/a><\/p>\n
— Ahmad Ahmad Officiel (@AAhmad_CAF) July 17, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nSome good news for @AlvinZhakata<\/a>: @CAF_Online<\/a> President @AHMADCAF2017 has promised me that you\u2019ll have a great experience at the #AFCON2019<\/a> #ALGSEN<\/a> final on Friday. @RealMamadouGaye<\/a> has been delegated by him to sort you out. You are a true fan of African football. Enjoy… pic.twitter.com\/fSpqFAXppJ<\/a><\/p>\n
— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) July 16, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n