ZIMBABWE’S 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) football campaign has been dealt a blow, with England-based full-backs Tendayi Darikwa and Brendan Galloway both spurning the call-up, while Macauley Bonne is a major doubt even though he had committed himself to coming.
BY HENRY MHARA
The Warriors play Swaziland in two matches over a four-day period during Easter, with the first match set for Mbabane on Friday March 25, before the reverse encounter in Harare on March 28.
But coach Kalisto Pasuwa might be forced to revise his training squad as he may not have any of the England-based players available.
It is understood that Galloway, who turns out for English Premier League side Everton, and Burnley’s Darikwa have both excused themselves.
A source at Zifa yesterday told NewsDay Sport that the duo, who were named in a 27-member squad announced on Friday last week, had since notified Zifa about their position.
“Darikwa and Galloway are out. They have said they will not be available for the two matches.
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The travel agent who is handling the players’ travelling itinerary has already been informed to remove the two names from the list,” the source said.
“As for Bonne, he wants to come, but he holds a British passport. He has to have a Zimbabwean passport for him to play in a competitive match for the country.”
Bonne has previously represented the country when he featured for the Young Warriors in a friendly match against a full-strength Morocco two years ago.
Warriors team manager Shariff Mussa said: “Darikwa has excused himself for now. He said he has some family issues which he wants to sort out and if it’s sorted in time, he would avail himself.
I haven’t received any official communication from Galloway, but I expect to have a response by Friday.”
He added: “Bonne has confirmed that he wants to come, but he has an issue with his passport. I’m sure that can be sorted. I will also have a clear picture by Friday.”
Besides the trio, Mussa said all the other players called up have confirmed their availability and are just waiting for their travelling itineraries.
While the three might be missed, their non-availability could open opportunities for some players that had been left out.
Orlando Pirates’ Tendayi Ndoro, who was omitted from the initial list, despite enjoying a purple patch in South Africa, could benefit and receive a call-up.
Zimbabwe and Swaziland are both on four points at the top of Group L, which also includes Guinea and Malawi, who are third and bottom respectively.
The two matches could be make-or-break ones for Zimbabwe, who will fancy themselves to pick six points and enhance their chances of finishing top of the pool and qualify for next year’s Afcon finals.
Zimbabwe’s final match in the group is against Guinea away in Conakry and the Warriors know they need all points against Swaziland in order to avoid too many complications.
After Swaziland, the Warriors will host Malawi at the National Sports Stadium in June before concluding their campaign with a trip to Guinea three months later.
The called-up Warriors are expected to start trooping into camp after the weekend matches, with training scheduled for Monday.
The matches against Swaziland are reported to have been targeted for manipulation before Zifa bust the alleged plot last week.
