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AFCON: Reading FC’s Rinomhota withdraws from Zimbabwe squad
LONDON: Reading FC midfielder Andy Rinomhota has withdrawn from the Zimbabwe national team ahead of AFCON with ‘immediate effect’.
Rinomhota was called up by Zimbabwe earlier this month to represent the naitonal team in their AFCON campaign due to take place from December 21 until January 18, depending on how far the squad progresses in the competition.
The midfielder has posted a statement on social media to say that he has had to withdraw from the camp “effective immediately” due to an “urgent” family matter.
The statement reads: “I wish to inform the public that I have had to withdraw from the Zimbabwe Men’s National Team camp, effective immediately, due to an urgent family matter that requires my full personal attention.
“I am deeply gutted to miss out on a tournament of this magnitude. Representing Zimbabwe at the highest level has always been a source of pride, and while I was fully committed to this opportunity, the timing of this family matter means I am not in the right psychological space to give the team my very best.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. I remain fully committed to the national team and look forward to returning to duty once the family matter has been resolved.
“I would like to wish my teammates and the entire technical group the very best at the tournament. I will be supporting them wholeheartedly and praying that Zimbabwe goes all the way.I would like to thank the Zimbabwe Football Association for the opportunity and support they have given me.
“I respectfully request privacy for myself and my family during this period.”
Rinomhota has started 13 games for Zimbabwe since 2023, with his most recent appearance being in a 1-1 draw with Nigeria during their World Cup Qualification matches.
Zimbabwe are in Group B in AFCON where they will face Egypt, South Africa and Angola. Their first fixture will be against Mo Salah’s Egypt, the all-time record holder of the competition with seven titles, on December 22.