Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA stepped in yesterday to calm outrage after a flurry of withdrawals from the Warriors camp sparked accusations that some players were being pushed out under the cover of injuries.
What began as routine assessments quickly turned into a storm. Several players were released within days of reporting for duty. However, some of the players are claiming they are fit to be part of the preparations.
Walter Musona is at the centre of the storm.
The association says he picked up a hamstring injury in the friendly against Algeria and missed training before the Qatar match because of ongoing pain. ZIFA said he failed to submit an ultrasound scan before camp, prompting an MRI on the first day.
The association said he will return once cleared medically. Hours later he posted on social media that he was ‘‘1000% fit,’’ a message that only fuelled questions already circulating online.
Emmanuel Jalai has been excused temporarily due to a thigh strain from the match against Triangle and is expected back on Thursday for fresh checks.
Tymon Machope and Junior Makunike, according to the association, arrived carrying injuries that the medical team concluded would not heal in time for AFCON, leading to their release.
Xolani Ndlovu was injured on the first day of training and asked to step aside to recover.
Andrew Mbeba, who has long managed a troublesome right knee last aggravated against Green Fuel, was also ruled out after tests showed he would not regain full fitness.
ZIFA said most of the players submitted requested radiological reports and added that training data supported the medical staff’s recommendations.
With options shrinking earlier than expected, the technical team will now broaden the pool and call up players who were not in the original 55-man provisional squad. The association insist transparency and player welfare remain central to their AFCON build-up, though the noise surrounding the opening week of camp points to a campaign already battling its first storm.
