FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza has refused to release four of his players who had been called up to the national team for the All-Africa Games first round, first leg clash against Cameroon at Rufaro on Sunday.
This is despite the fact that he had earlier promised that the players would join camp upon return from Tanzania where they were clobbered 5-1 in the Caf Confederation Cup.
The affected players include Walter Musona, Wisdom Mutasa, Kelvin Moyo and Emmanuel Mandiranga.
Young Warriors coach Callisto Pasuwa said Tuesday Mapeza had a change of heart and reneged on his earlier promise when he returned from Tanzania saying the match was not on the Fifa calendar for international matches.
“I was surprised he (Mapeza) proceeded with the players to Zvishavane after arriving at the airport. He told me the match was not on the Fifa calendar,” said Pasuwa.
“The same is with Caps United. Their coach (Mark Harrison) told me they would only release the players three days before the match.
“But I am saying the time is not enough to assess the players because I haven’t worked with them except Ronald Pfumbidzai.”
He added: “It’s a big challenge for us because Highlanders also requested their players for the weekend games and they are not in camp.
“I don’t know if they will be coming because they have league games this weekend as well. We will have to do with the players we have.
“I have been telling the players it’s a chance to prove themselves. This is a national cause and I thought our clubs would release players we had requested for this game.
“Some of them were said to have been injured but Bernard Donovan, our first choice goalkeeper played for How Mine at the weekend.
“However, we have been communicating very well with Dynamos and Highlanders.”
The Caps United players who had been called in to camp are Kudzai Nyamupfukudza, Ronald Pfumbidzai and Takudzwa Mahori.
Highlanders have three players in the national team- Teenage Hadebe, Thomas Chidewu and Nqobizitha Masuku.Advertisement