Mutasa's late inclusion sparks Warriors controvers...

Mutasa's late inclusion sparks Warriors controversy

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

The Zimbabwe Football Association finds itself embroiled in a storm of controversy following the eleventh-hour inclusion of Scotland-based midfielder Nathan Mutasa in the Warriors squad set to compete in the upcoming COSAFA Cup tournament. The regional showpiece is scheduled to kick off tomorrow in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and will run until June 14.

Mutasa, the son of prominent socialite and businesswoman Pokello Nare, was conspicuously absent from the initial squad announced by Warriors coach Michael Nees just last week. However, a series of unexplained last-minute alterations saw the midfielder drafted into the travelling party.

Eyewitness accounts and a now-deleted social media post from Scotland FC confirmed Mutasa's presence with the team at the airport yesterday afternoon, clad in Warriors regalia, as they prepared for their journey to Bloemfontein.

The sudden inclusion of Mutasa came at the expense of Dynamos midfielder Vusa Ngwenya, who had initially been part of the squad. The rationale behind this late switch remains shrouded in mystery. It is unclear whether the change had the endorsement of Coach Nees, who is currently in Morocco with the main Warriors squad for crucial friendly matches.

Adding to the intrigue, ZIFA has notably refrained from its customary announcement of squad changes. Meanwhile, Scotland FC briefly publicized Mutasa's inclusion on their social media platforms before swiftly deleting the posts, further fueling speculation and raising eyebrows among football enthusiasts.

Concerns have also been raised regarding Mutasa's on-field credentials. Having featured in a handful of games for Scotland FC, he has reportedly appeared to fall short of the standards expected in the top-flight league.

The decision has triggered a wave of discontent among Warriors supporters, who have taken to social media to voice their displeasure and question the merit of Mutasa's inclusion.

"In this life, it's all about who you know and how you know them," commented a disgruntled Benjamin Banda.

Callum Chirisa echoed this sentiment, writing, "This has to be one of the most shameless things I’ve ever witnessed in Zimbabwean football. The game has been hijacked. It’s no longer about talent or passion, but power and shady backroom deals."

The disappointment was palpable in other reactions, with Michael Manhiyo simply stating, "This is sad," and Sydwell Nhidza lamenting, "What a pity."

Despite the off-field drama, the Warriors squad departed for South Africa yesterday, bracing themselves for their opening Group A encounter against Mauritius tomorrow, with kick-off scheduled for 6 pm.

Zimbabwe finds itself in Group A alongside hosts South Africa, Mozambique, and Mauritius. Historically, the Warriors boast an unbeaten record against their group opponents in the COSAFA Cup, having recorded three wins and two draws against Mozambique, and two victories over Mauritius. Their record against South Africa also remains unblemished in this competition.

A formidable force in the regional tournament, Zimbabwe has clinched the COSAFA Cup title six times, with their most recent triumph occurring in 2018 under the guidance of coach Sunday Chidzambga. However, in recent editions, Zimbabwe has fielded weakened sides, failing to progress beyond the group stage in their last appearance in 2021.

This year, the COSAFA squad will be under the tutelage of junior coach Simon Marange, who will be assisted by Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla. Meanwhile, the main Warriors squad is currently engaged in friendly matches against Burkina Faso and Niger in Morocco this week.