Zimbabwe’s build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been thrown into uncertainty after FIFA confirmed that clubs are only obliged to release players by 15 December, just six days before AFCON kicks off in Morocco.
The revised release date — jointly communicated by FIFA and CAF — replaces the earlier 8 December deadline and forces the Warriors to overhaul their entire pre-tournament programme.
ZIFA acknowledged the disruption in a statement, noting that the change “delivers a significant logistical and technical setback.”
The association had planned an early high-performance camp close to Morocco, where both local and foreign-based players were expected to assemble for tactical preparation, intensive conditioning and climate acclimatisation.
“With foreign-based players now only guaranteed from 15 December, the original preparation model can no longer be implemented,” ZIFA said, adding that training schedules, friendly matches and travel plans will now be compressed and restructured under tighter timelines.
The federation said it remains “focused and adaptive” as it recalibrates the Warriors’ build-up.
The news comes as Zimbabwe suffered another blow, with three players withdrawn from camp due to injury.
Tymon Machope, Xolani Ndlovu and Andrew Mbeba were released after medical assessments ruled them out of the initial phase of preparations. ZIFA said their withdrawal was precautionary and aimed at safeguarding long-term fitness.
Meanwhile, Plymouth Argyle are negotiating with ZIFA to delay the release of defender Brendan Galloway by a further two days so he can play against Wycombe Wanderers on 9 December.
Coach Tom Cleverley confirmed ongoing talks, saying the club hopes the defender can feature in the league match before travelling to camp.
Off the field, the Warriors camp has also been overshadowed by Walter Musona’s public dispute over his omission.
ZIFA stated that the Scottland FC captain was excluded due to a hamstring complaint sustained against Algeria and his failure to submit the required ultrasound report at the start of camp. He has since undergone an MRI.
Musona responded by posting a photo in his Warriors jersey captioned: “1000% fit,” insisting he is ready for selection. His return to camp remains dependent on official scan results.
Other players dropped from the provisional squad include Emmanuel Jalai and Junior Makunike, alongside the injured trio.
With the final 23-man squad set to be announced next week and preparations already under pressure, the Warriors face a race against time to assemble a fully prepared group ahead of their opening AFCON fixture on 22 December.