Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa is a major doubt for Saturday’s Harare Derby against Dynamos as the Green Machine try to establish the circumstances surrounding his absence from their last assignment.
Shandirwa had been named in the starting line-up for Sunday’s 2-0 Munhumutapa Challenge Cup victory over Manica Diamonds but failed to report for duty, forcing coach Takesure Chiragwi into a late change.
His absence has since been followed by the circulation of pictures showing the midfielder with a deep gash on his forehead.
The images, seen by Zimpapers Sports Hub, have fuelled widespread speculation on social media over how Shandirwa sustained the injury, although the circumstances could not be independently established.
Shandirwa had been with his CAPS United teammates on Friday when the players received their monthly salaries before missing the Manica Diamonds assignment.
Club CEO said the midfielder communicated his unavailability shortly before the match, but did not give clear reasons.
“We received communication that he was unable to report for duty, but the reasons were not clear,” said Dodzo.
“We are trying to establish exactly what transpired because it is our responsibility to manage the careers of the players in our books and help them reach their full potential.
“Discipline and player welfare remain a priority at CAPS United. We have initiated our internal processes to establish the facts surrounding the matter.
“In the meantime, we urge all stakeholders to avoid speculation because, as far as I know, he has been conducting himself well in recent times.”
The timing could hardly be worse for Shandirwa, who had been expected to feature prominently against his former club in Saturday’s derby at Rufaro.
His participation now appears increasingly unlikely.
CAPS United president Farai Jere yesterday admitted the club was concerned.
“I don’t know exactly what is happening with him,” said Jere.
“I have not yet received official communication from the technical team, but I have seen the pictures that have been circulating.
“We will get to the bottom of the matter. He is our player and we have a responsibility to support him in every possible way because we believe he is a great talent.”
It is not the first time CAPS United have raised concerns over Shandirwa’s availability.
Earlier this year, Chiragwi was forced to respond to questions about the midfielder amid reports that he had been missing training sessions.
Jere said the club and technical team had previously tried to help Shandirwa deal with issues affecting his career, with Chiragwi at one stage reaching out to his family.
“We have discussed this issue before with coach Chiragwi, who has gone the extra mile, including reaching out to his parents in an attempt to establish the root cause of the problem,” said Jere.
“We hope he can overcome whatever challenges he may be facing because we are genuinely concerned about his future.”
