Zimbabwe Warriors’ AFCON Plans Disrupted as CAF, FIFA Delay Player Release to December 15

CAF, FIFA Push Player Release to December 15, Forcing Warriors to Rework AFCON Preparations

Zimbabwe’s preparations for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations have suffered a major disruption after CAF and FIFA moved the official release date for players to 15 December, a week later than initially scheduled.

The change has thrown the Warriors’ planning into disarray, particularly as the technical team had designed a comprehensive pre-tournament programme that depended heavily on early access to foreign-based players.

Training Schedule and Logistics Affected

With the new date in effect, head coach Marian Marinica and his staff are now expected to reconfigure training timelines, travel arrangements and tactical sessions.

The Warriors’ camp began on Sunday, but the absence of key internationals means crucial preparatory work will have to wait until mid-December.

Also Read: Watch: Warriors coach Marian Marinica speaks on injuries, and AFCON expectations

Squad Slowly Taking Shape

Despite the setback, Zimbabwe’s provisional 51-man squad is beginning to gather momentum.

Notable arrivals include Alec Mudimu, who recently came out of international retirement, Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Tedious Baye, and Portuguese-based youngster Colbert Chimedza.

Countdown to Egypt Clash

Zimbabwe, making their sixth AFCON appearance, will open their campaign against Egypt on 22 December in Morocco.

The team is now racing against time to ensure all players are fully integrated before the tournament kicks off.

Social Media Reacts

FIFA and CAF’s decision to delay the release of foreign-based players to December 15 has thrown Zimbabwe’s AFCON preparations into uncertainty, leaving the national squad largely composed of local-based talent. Fans have expressed frustration at the timing of the move, questioning its impact on the team’s readiness ahead of the tournament. The delay means the coaching staff must adjust strategies and training plans, while supporters worry about the squad’s competitiveness against stronger continental opponents.

Here are some of the comments:

@Zvikomborero Mupfumi;

The decision must have been made by a South African I guess. Knowing everyone in Bafana squad is local

@Tendai Charles Mutsamba;

Soo final 23 squad yacho to be announced when manje without foreign based players we only hv local based players in camp and Bonnie

@Francis Shurugwi;

This Patrice Motsepe guy is nonsense, last time he agreed to move Afcon from June to Dec now this..

They don’t respect us those white guys