Warriors player Chirewa abandons camp after alleged fallout with new coach

AFTER scoring a consolation goal from the bench against Algeria in a 3-1 defeat, Warriors’ midfielder Tawanda Chirewa has reportedly left the camp ahead of Monday’s match against Qatar.

The 22-year-old player is reported to have had a fallout with new Warriors coach Mario Marinica, who is alleged to be exhibiting unprofessional conduct towards the players.

Marinica is alleged to be insulting players in camp. Among those whom he allegedly attacked are goalkeeper Washington Arubi, Emmanuel Jalai, and  Chirewa.

Inside sources within the camp have revealed that senior players have since launched a formal complaint to the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) regarding the coach’s conduct.

In addressing Chirewa’s issue, ZIFA has since released a statement clarifying Chirewa’s withdrawal from the squad ahead of Monday’s match against Qatar.

“ZIFA wishes to inform the nation, the media fraternity, and all that midfielder Tawanda Chirewa has been granted permission to leave the national team camp, as had been agreed prior to the player joining the camp.

“This decision was reached with the full blessing 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 prioritises the athlete’s long-term development while safeguarding Zimbabwe’s national football interests,” read part of the statement.

Meanwhile, senior players in the Warriors are said to have threatened to retire from playing international football if Marinica doesn’t change his attitude and approach.