Munetsi hits out at ZIFA for omitting him from AFCON squad ‘without clarity’

HARARE – Zimbabwe midfielder Marshall Munetsi has criticised the lack of communication around his surprise omission from the Africa Cup of Nations squad, saying he received no clarity from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) despite assurances from his club that he was recovering well from injury.

“This one hurts, as representing the Warriors has always been a dream, and wearing our colours is the greatest honour of my career. AFCON would have even been more significant,” Munetsi wrote on his Facebook page.

“I had an injury recently, but my club, Wolves, communicated with the association that I was recovering well and even offered medical support to ensure that I could participate at the AFCON. Unfortunately, I received no follow-up communication, and decisions were made without clarity—speculation which wasn’t the case.

“While I’m hurt, my unwavering support for the national team remains strong. I respect the coach’s decisions and stand behind the boys wholeheartedly. I will always be ready to defend the nation I love. Go Warriors, go! 🇿🇼”

Munetsi suffered a calf injury after coming on for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Nottingham Forest earlier this month and was initially expected to be out for several weeks. His exclusion comes as Zimbabwe also lose defender Jordan Zemura, who picked up a thigh injury during Udinese’s 2-1 home defeat to Genoa on Monday.

The pair were left out of a 28-man squad named on Thursday by new coach Mario Marinica, who took over the team last month.

Zimbabwe face Egypt in their opening Group B match in Agadir on December 22 before meeting Angola and South Africa.