Darikwa Shuts Door On Warriors, Unhappy With ZIFA Over Broken Promises
Wigan Athletic captain Tendayi Darikwa snubbed the latest Warriors call up, leading to speculation he might follow the footsteps of his compatriots Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona in quitting international football.
Darikwa last played for Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifier against Ghana in Cape Coast in September 2021.
He was reportedly called to play in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers before it was confirmed Zimbabwe would not take part, and he turned down the invitation.
Speaking to Soccer24, National Teams General Manager Wellington Mpandare said Darikwa was not happy with the suspended Felton Kamambo-led ZIFA board. Said Mpandare:
It will take a lot of convincing to have him back. Tendayi was never happy with the ZIFA board because of false promises before and during the Egypt AFCON tournament.
When he came for the game against Ghana he thought things had improved. That’s when he told me that he was not going to report for national duty as long as these people were in charge and I have messages to that effect.
With all this confusion Tendayi and most players feel the suspended ZIFA people should just resign to save our football if ever they love our country and football.
There are lots of untold stories that transpired within the camp and one day I will say it all.
A lot of stuff has been kept between the players and me for professional reasons but soon it will be time to say it all.
