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Zimbabwe delays naming squad against Malawi

Xinhua, June 5, 2015 Adjust font size:

Zimbabwe has delayed naming its squad for the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier match against Malawi in Blantyre next Saturday, Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said.

According to Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) regulations, associations are mandated to send call up letters to clubs two weeks before a fixture. Zimbabwe coach Kallisto Pasuwa is expected to name the team soon.

"We expect the coach to name the squad on Saturday. We have to wait for the coach to choose his squad before we announce," Gwesela said.

But Zimbabwe is certain to have problems with clubs especially foreign teams who demand that their players be called on time. Players who ply their trade in foreign lands are required to report for national duty five days before the day of the match.

Former Warriors midfielder Alois Bunjira, who is also the director of marketing at local club Caps United, said he is surprised why ZIFA has taken this long to name a squad while rivals Malawi were already in camp.

"Malawi has been in camp and are playing Egypt on Monday preparing for this game. In Zimbabwe no team has been announced yet and yet FIFA requires an association to send call up letters to teams at least 14 days before a fixture. Has Zimbabwe pulled out of the qualifiers?" said Bunjira.

Zimbabwe are in the same group with west Africans Guinea in Group L together with fellow Southern African side Swaziland.

Group winners and the two best second-placed teams will join hosts Gabon at the finals in 2017. Endit