Zimbabwe will host Zambia to a “celebratory” friendly 23rd December at National Sports Stadium, Harare, ZIFA has confirmed.

The match will celebrate the new president of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa who took over from Robert Mugabe, the long serving president, who held the seat for over three decades.

A legends match involving Zimbabwe and South Africa will curtain the international friendly.

Mugabe, 93, resigned Tuesday with his former deputy Mnangagwa being sworn in Friday to cap a historic moment for Zimbabweans.

In his maiden speech, Mnangagwa urged all Zimbabweans to unite in order to build the country whose economy has been in ruins.

“As the custodians of the nation’s most popular sport code, FIFA duly appreciates the sincere call by His Excellency for every citizen regardless of political orientation, tribe, gender, color or creed to positively contribute towards the building of our nation.

“Sports in general and football in particular are a proven catalyst for unity, peace and social cohesion,” ZIFA statement reads.

ZIFA once more congratulated Emmerson on his new job hoping it will bring with it better tidings for sports in Zimbabwe.

“We are confident that the new start that the nation has been granted in the hands of His Excellency Mnangagwa will lead not only to the revival but flourishing success of sport.”