Coach Ramon Catala Reveals Why Prince Dube Was Left Out Of Warriors Squad

Warriors coach Ramon Catala has revealed why Prince Dube will not be part of Zimbabwe’s final squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea.

Dube’s absence had attracted attention after he featured in the provisional squad but failed to make the final selection for the two matches against the Nzalang Nacional.

Zimbabwe will face Equatorial Guinea in Cameroon on Thursday before hosting them at the National Sports Stadium four days later.

However, Catala insists the striker’s omission was not a technical decision, revealing that the coaching staff had wanted him for both the previous qualifiers against Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as the upcoming double-header.

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Catala Reveals Prince Dube Asked To Be Excused

Speaking to H-Metro about the striker’s absence, the Spanish coach said Dube had repeatedly asked not to be considered for national team duty.

Catala said the technical team respected the player’s request despite regarding him as an important attacking option for the Warriors.

“We wanted him in the squad for the games against Sierra Leone and DRC, but he asked to be excused.

We also wanted him for the upcoming back-to-back games against Equatorial Guinea, but he asked to be excused again.

It is important for people to understand this. We did not leave him out because we don’t rate him. We wanted him. He is a good player. But he asked to be excused and we have to respect that,” said Catala.

Warriors Coach Explains Why He Rates Dube

Catala also dismissed any suggestion that Dube’s absence was linked to doubts about his ability, saying the technical team had closely monitored his recent performances.

The coach said they had reviewed footage from the striker’s last 12 to 13 matches and remained impressed by his goal-scoring record, work ethic and overall contribution.

“We know what he can do. We know his quality. He scores goals, he works hard, he is a very good striker. That is why we wanted him in the squad,” he said.

He added that the Warriors could not force a player to report for national duty when they had requested to be excused, making it necessary to turn to other available options.

Catala Leaves Door Open For Possible Dube Return

Although Dube is unavailable for the current assignments, Catala has not ruled out recalling the striker for future Warriors matches.

However, he indicated that any possible return would depend on several factors, including the player’s form, attitude and the team’s requirements at the time.

“In future, if the situation changes, it doesn’t mean we will consider him also.

It will depend on many things. It will depend on his form, his attitude, and what we need as a team at that time,” Catala said.