Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Football Association yesterday found themselves at the centre of an intense social media storm, which almost overshadowed the Warriors’ preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers following a misunderstanding with England-based midfielder Sean Fusire.
For the most part of the day, there were varying versions of stories peddled after Fusire was dropped from the squad and replaced by Tivonge Rushesha of Reading.
The association said they had replaced the midfielder after he had “made demands whose financial implications the Association could not fulfil.”
ZIFA made no further comment on that statement but the implications were huge and the football community was yesterday divided after interpreting the issue in numerous ways, some bordering on speculation.
However, Fusire, who later apologised for the fiasco and revealed there was no bad blood between him and ZIFA, said the confusion was a result of a communication breakdown.
The 20-year-old Sheffield United player claimed that he had requested for an upgrade on his flights, basing on the history of injuries resulting from long travels.
He said he had not fathomed the issue would escalate to such levels, in a lengthy statement in which he explained his position, while also issuing an apology to the Warriors and national team coach Michael Nees.
“Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise to my coach, Michael Nees, to the team, and most importantly to our fans for the confusion around my attendance to this current camp which unfortunately I will no longer be a part of.
“This is disappointing for me personally as well as a player. At the same time as a professional, I acknowledge my part in the confusion that has taken place, this is not how I desired for things to unravel.
““I confirm that I have no issues at all with ZIFA, the team, or the country. I am very proud to be Zimbabwean,” he said.
In the absence of suspended captain Marshall Munetsi, Fusire was in line to make his first appearance for Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifiers after impressing Nees during the international friendlies played by the Warriors in Morocco in June.
He said it was an honour to be called for national team duty and remained open to future call-ups despite the boob. Fusire claimed his communication with ZIFA was not understood in the manner he had thought it would.
“Unfortunately, things did not progress as I had thought but all I had communicated to officials was an honest picture of what I thought at the time.
“After I had been informed of my selection for the camp and given flights, I simply inquired to officials about total travel duration which would have amounted in excess of 40-plus hours.
“In my opinion and thinking about my previous injury history and the physical demand on my body due to being under cramped travel situations, I requested for an upgrade in flights.
“This request I made just to ensure that I am fully fit and ready for Abidjan, Johannesburg and also when I return to my club after the camp,” he said.
“I requested that my flights be upgraded to either business or at least economy premium. After this was declined I further requested that I do all flights economy except the last flight from South Africa back to the UK which is an 11-hour flight non-stop. Unfortunately, this was also declined.
“When I offered to put my owed allowances from the last camp towards an upgrade of the last flight, I was hoping for a response from the official I was communicating with but unfortunately there was no further communication and I am not sure as to why.
“At this stage I did not feel comfortable to travel without a resolution to the matter. Now, I want to extend my sincere apologies to coach Michael Nees, the team and our fans for the inconvenience this has caused.
“It is indeed regrettable for me that things have gone this way, but I thought I should clarify things in the wake of lots of misconstrued stories or falsehoods.
“I am happy and proud to play for the Warriors. As a player and also a Zimbabwean, I am disappointed to miss out on this occasion. I am sorry for what has happened this current camp,” said Fusire.
The Warriors are set to face to face West African side Benin at Alassane Quattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Cote d’Ivoire on Friday before traveling to South Africa where they host Rwanda at the Orlando Stadium next Tuesday. Benin, just like Zimbabwe, have no CAF approved stadium and home games in Cote d’Ivoire.
The majority of the Warriors players have arrived, while new addition Rushesha and other Europe based players like Brendan Galloway, Tawanda Maswanhise, Munashe Garananga, Tino Kadewere, Prosper Padera and Teenage Hadebe, who plays in the United States, were expected last night. Italy-based Jordan Zemura will be the last to arrive today.
