Zimbabwe Warriors victims of their own success

Sports Reporter
HARARE, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE has been left counting the costs of its elimination from the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is indirectly attributed to the team’s recent success in the Council of Southern African Football Associations Cup (COSAFA).

Zimbabwe won the COSAFA tournament played in South Africa, leading to teams in the host country showing interest in the Warriors’ most impressive players.

Minus their on-demand stars, the team bowed out of CHAN 2018 following a 5-4 penalty shootout loss to Namibia at the National Sports Stadium in the capital Harare.

Talent Chawapiwa, the midfielder signed recently by Limpopo outfit Baroka FC from FC Platinum, was among the notable absentees as his country missed out on fifth successive participation.

He was during the period said to be working on documents to finalise his move to Baroka.

Defender Honest Moyo’s absence was also attributed to a possible move south of the Limpopo River.

“Honest was not the only one wanted for trials,” said an informant.

More than five players, it emerged, were wanted for trials in South Africa after Zimbabwe won the COSAFA title.

“Most of the players stood guided by their clubs and agents. By playing for Zimbabwe in CHAN it was still a chance to get the attention of foreign clubs.”

The absence of the players however is beyond the control of the Zimbabwe Football Association as the CHAN qualifiers and tournament are played outside the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) calendar.

Players are not compelled to honour calls ups to the national team.

– CAJ News