Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe has criticized the Warriors’ head coach Michael Nees and ZIFA for insisting on the release of players before the international break timeframe.
He was referring to the call-ups of his captain, Godknows Murwira, and Dynamos’ Emmanuel Jalai, who missed the Sunday derby due to ZIFA’s ‘disorganized’ plans, which required players to join camp earlier for their travel to South Africa today and, consequently, miss the important fixture.
However., Dynamos goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, who was also called up, managed to play.
The players are part of the Warriors squad for the upcoming back-to-back AFCON qualifiers against Namibia in South Africa.
Addressing the media after Caps United’s 2-1 win over Dynamos, Chitembwe did not entertain further questions and chose to focus on ZIFA and Michael Nees’ disruption.
“The major talking point for me today was the unavailability of Godknows Murwira. I’m extremely disappointed with what happened,” he seethed.
“He is our key player. He is our captain, and we need him in crucial matches. This game was very important for us.”
Chitembwe then criticized the ZIFA leadership and coaching staff for their chaotic organization.
“If some clown somewhere thinks he can make decisions on behalf of the team I coach, that’s very unfortunate. It appears we are 40 or 50 years behind and have been colonized, in football terms. If someone believes they have a monopoly on ideas, then it’s unfortunate,” he said.
Chitembwe compared the situation to other associations where no player is called up before the stipulated release time.
“Onana is also participating in the tournament that Zimbabwe is involved in, but he played today. Khama played yesterday, Jordan Zemura too, and someone thinks they can change the way we operate,” added Chitembwe.
He also reminded everyone that a similar situation nearly occurred when Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera was the Warriors’ coach, and ZIFA demanded the early release of players.
However, the Premier Soccer League stood firm and refused to release players outside the designated window.
Continued Chitembwe: “I have participated at that level as both a coach and a player; I don’t need anything.
“If people are going to abuse their position simply because they’re in authority, that’s very unfortunate.”
He then revealed that local players who flew abroad earlier than allowed were threatened.
“What is more embarrassing is that they went on to threaten the players, saying if you don’t heed this call-up, we won’t consider you for future assignments. What is that? This is clowning.”
Meanwhile, Dynamos lost 2-1 to Caps United in an exciting derby played at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Dynamos drew first blood through Kadonzvo in the 39th minute.
A long clearance from Kelvin Moyo found Shandirwa in the middle, who then clinically passed to Kadonzvo, who slotted a low drive to the near right post.
In the second half, Caps restored parity with Bakari’s goal in the 73rd minute.
The Green Machine then took the lead ten minutes later through Zambezi, marking their first league win in the Harare Derby since 2019.
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