Zimbabwe camp divided? FA trashes Warriors’ revolt talk

Zimbabwe’s 3-1 loss to Algeria has triggered social media reports of a fallout between the coach Mario Marinica and some players.

The reports of the bad blood surfaced after Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Tawanda Chirewa left the national team camp in Saudi Arabia. The Warriors are set to play a second game against Qatar on Monday.

Despite the reports suggesting that there were heated exchanges between the coach and the players after the heavy defeat by Algeria, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has moved in to quell such claims.

In a statement, the association says Chirewa has left the camp for Zimbabwe at the request of his Premier League team.

ZIFA adds that it granted the 22-year-old star permission to return to England following the coaching changes at her club.

Why Wolves star Tawanda Chirewa left Zimbabwe camp

“The decision was reached with the full support and consent of ZIFA, after Wolverhampton Wanderers formally requested an opportunity for the player to be assessed by their new technical team as part of their internal preparations for the season ahead.

“ZIFA emphasises that this development is not a withdrawal nor does it reflect any dispute or disagreement. Instead, it represents a professional and mutually respectful alignment between the national association and the player’s parent club, an alignment that prioritizes the athlete’s long-term development while safeguarding Zimbabwe’s national football interests,” the statement reads.

Despite ZIFA suggesting that Chirewa was wanted by the Premier League club urgently, Wolves new manager Dave Edward told the club’s website that he would only meet the players next week.

“The staff are all up for it and we’ll meet the players next week when everyone arrives back, and I know the lads will be as well,” he told Wolves website.

Captain Marvelous Nakamba was not part of the playing squad for the match against Algeria while Khama Billiat of Scottland FC and his Wolves counterpart Marshall Munetsi excused themselves from the proceedings.

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