BELGIUM-based Ovidy Karuru says he has no hard feelings against Warriors coach Rahman Gumbo after being dropped from the Warriors squad set to travel to Angola for the decisive Africa Cup of Nations second leg football qualifier this Sunday. Report by Henry Mhara/Michael Madyira Sports Reporters
The Oud-Heverlee Leuven midfielder, who had become a common face in the Warriors squad since being cleared from the Asiagate match-fixing scandal, was left out of the Warriors team that played Angola in the first leg of the qualifiers.
He was again omitted from the squad currently in camp ahead of the trip to Angola tomorrow.
Warriors manager Nyika Chifamba said they left out the skilful midfielder to allow him time to settle in Belgium.
Speaking from his Belgium base, the soft-spoken Karuru said: “The last time I spoke to the coach (Gumbo) was after the Burundi game and we were in good books. He has his reasons for dropping me and I will respect that. I’m not the kind of person who holds grudges with anyone. I will always be there when my country needs me. The technical team said I am still in their plans, so it is up to me to show them that they can count on me any time any day,”
While Chifamba claims that they want to give Karuru time to settle, ironically, there are some players currently in the Warriors camp who have seen little action at their clubs compared to Karuru.
Quincy Antipas has made only two appearances for his new Danish club Brondby IF, while Oscar Machapa has played just 92 minutes in seven matches for Moroka Swallows in the South African Premiership this season.
Takesure Chinyama has played just 88 minutes in his two appearances for Orlando Pirates.
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In fact, Chinyama had not played a single minute of competitive action for Pirates when he was called up for the first leg match against Angola.
