ENGLAND-based defender, Tendai Darikwa (pictured) has blasted Zifa for apparent lack of professionalism and turned down an invitation to play for the Warriors in their friendly football match against Tanzania set for the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA
Pasuwa had included the Burnley defender in the squad to face the Taifa Stars along with Colchester United forward, McCauley Bonne.
In a Twitter post yesterday morning, which he later deleted, Darikwa confirmed that he had received a call-up to the national team, but announced that he would not be coming to Zimbabwe.
The tweet suggests the player was willing to join the Warriors camp, but was frustrated by the administration.
“Yes, I received a call-up to the Zimbabwe national team, but due to lack of professionalism from certain people, I will not be there,” the 24-year-old tweeted, but before long he took it down.
A Zifa statement on their website yesterday suggested that Darikwa and Bonne had been ruled out because of documentation issues, as the two are holders of British passports.
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However, Bonne has previously represented Zimbabwe in a friendly international against Morocco.
A few years ago, Darikwa had shown interest to play for Zimbabwe, but was put off after allegedly being asked to pay a $5 000 “processing fee” by a former a Zifa official.
The latest development has cast doubts on Darikwa and Bonne representing Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Gabon in January and February next year.
Darikwa would have come in to provide competition for regular right-back Hardlife Zvirekwi. Zvirekwi will face competition from former Caps United teammate, Oscar Machapa, who makes a return to the national fold.
Also ruled out of the clash is Sparta Praha defender, Costa Nhamoinesu, who is nursing an injury that has sidelined him for over a month.
The Maritzburg United pair of striker, Evans Rusike and defender, Blessing Moyo has also been ruled out because of injury.
However, Pasuwa remains confident, saying it provides an opportunity for others to step in.
“It is unfortunate that Costa [Nhamoinesu], Evans [Rusike] and Blessing [Moyo] are all out due to injuries as confirmed by their clubs, but at the same time, this will be an opportunity for other players to get more game time in international matches,” he said.
Pasuwa also spoke about the absence of Darikwa and Bonne.
“We really needed them here [Bonne and Darikwa], but it seems they still have some complications with their identification documents, which are currently being sorted out.
“We are looking forward to having them join the team in future assignments,” he said.
The match against Tanzania falls on the Fifa calendar for internationals and clubs are compelled to release players for national duty. Pasuwa has also included Mamelodi Sundowns forward Khama Billiat, who was thought to have been given a rest after a gruelling season in which he played in both the domestic league and Caf Champions League for his club.
The squad is expected to go into camp tonight with the first training session starting tomorrow. Squad:
Goalkeepers: Donovan Bernard (How Mine), Tatenda Mkuruva (Dynamos), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum)
Defenders: Onismor Bhasera (Supersport United), Hardlife Zvirekwi (Caps United), Bruce Kangwa (Azam FC), Lawrence Mhlanga (Chicken Inn), Teenage Hadebe (Chicken Inn), Tendai Ndlovu (Highlanders), Oscar Machapa (AS Vita Club)
Midfielders: Willard Katsande (Kaizer Chiefs), Marvelous Nakamba (Vitesse Arnhem), Marshall Mudehwe (FC Platinum), Raphael Kutinyu (Chicken Inn), Danny Phiri (Golden Arrows), Kudakwashe Mahachi (Golden Arrows), Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Strikers: Knowledge Musona (KV Oostende), Mathew Rusike (Helsingborgs IF), Tendai Ndoro (Orlando Pirates), Cuthbert Malajila (Bidvest Wits), Philana Kadewere (Djurgardens IF), Nyasha Mushekwi (Dalian Yifang)
