Zimbabwe players falling out with new coach?

By KickOff

The Zimbabwe Football Association have responded to reports claiming that some players have fallen out with new coach Mario Marinica.

The rumours surfaced after striker winger Tawanda Chirewa left he the camp in Saudi Arabia to return to Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

There were also reports claiming Khama Billiat and Marshall Munetsi were left out of the squad after not agreeing with the coach’s appointment.

However, the Zimbabwe FA have hit back and claimed that Chirewa’s release was agreed by both parties involved.

“The decision was reached with the full support 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,” the statement read.

“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 prioritizes the athlete’s long-term development while safeguarding Zimbabwe’s national football interests,” the statement reads.