Fifa derails Warriors' Afcon plans

Zimbabwe Warriors coach Marian Marinica has expressed deep frustration after FIFA allowed European clubs to retain their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)-bound players until December 15, just six days before the continental tournament begins in Morocco on December 21. The ruling has severely shortened the Warriors' preparation window, forcing Marinica and his technical team to revise carefully laid plans, including planned international friendlies.

Since the start of the week, Marinica has been working primarily with a local-based squad, but the late arrival of key foreign-based players has complicated his preparations. While the break in the South African league allows some players from that competition to join the camp, stars such as Marshall Munetsi and Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves), Andy Rinomhota (Reading), Jordan Zemura (Udinese) and Munashe Garan'anga (FC Copenhagen) will only arrive after the FIFA-mandated date.

Marinica did not hide his disappointment, noting that the limited time with the final squad could compromise tactical work and fitness integration. "In a way, it's a little bit difficult now. It seems with the new set-up in terms of FIFA allowing us to get the players on December 15," he said. "We had plans, even considering friendly matches against Senegal, Uganda, or Mozambique, but at the moment everything has to be reassessed."

The late release, driven by consultations between FIFA and CAF to accommodate European clubs, has disrupted preparations ahead of Zimbabwe's Group B matches against South Africa, Egypt, and Angola. Despite these challenges, Marinica remains confident in the quality and commitment of the players already in camp.

"Yes, the players are responding very well, very hard-working," he said. "We had two extra players that came from abroad, which actually was very good because we have a chance to assess them as well, like we assess the local players." Marinica stressed that even with a truncated preparation period, the Warriors are ready to compete at the highest level, reflecting on their achievement of qualifying for AFCON despite the setbacks.

The camp, primarily composed of local players, is also seen as an opportunity to build a foundation for future squads. "Even some of them may not be picked into the final 28, but at least we work with them for the future. We can work with them for March, COSAFA, CHAN and other tournaments. It's a benefit for everyone," Marinica said.

He acknowledged the need to restore national confidence following Zimbabwe's failure to qualify for the World Cup, adding, "That was obviously a setback, but that's our job—to give hope to the nation and try to achieve things that haven't been achieved before."

Marinica confirmed that fitness and endurance will be key criteria in selecting the final 28-man squad, with thorough assessments planned ahead of the tournament. He remains optimistic that, despite logistical hurdles, the Warriors can integrate all players in time and mount a strong challenge at AFCON.