Female journalist disrupts Warriors training

Zimbabwe international striker Tino Kadewere caused chaos at the Warriors' training session on Monday after angrily confronting journalist Yvonne Mangunda at Orlando Stadium, threatening her and briefly halting preparations for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

Witnesses said Kadewere stormed across the pitch during coach Michael Nees' final session, jabbing the journalist in the chest and hurling insults. He accused her of posting negative comments about his form on Facebook and questioned why she continued to write about him.

Onlookers described the outburst as shocking, with players and officials momentarily frozen as the visibly shaken journalist pleaded for an explanation. Instead, Kadewere escalated the tirade, warning her not to remain at the stadium after training and mocking her physical appearance.

ZIFA officials intervened to restrain the forward before the situation worsened. Training was briefly suspended as tensions cooled. The striker later issued an apology, admitting he acted out of "emotion and anger," while Warriors team manager Clemence Matawu also apologised on behalf of the squad.

However, the apology was described by witnesses as half-hearted and has done little to quell criticism. Media watchdogs and journalist associations have condemned the incident, demanding a formal written apology from ZIFA and warning that Kadewere's conduct tarnishes both his reputation and that of the national team.

The confrontation risks overshadowing Zimbabwe's crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, with pressure now on the Warriors camp to contain the fallout.