Jordan Zemura has broken his silence after being left out of Zimbabwe’s final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, admitting the decision hurt but insisting he will return to defend the national colours again.
The Udinese wing-back picked up a thigh injury in Monday’s Serie A clash against Genoa, ending his push to be fit in time for AFCON. Zemura said he had pushed himself “right to the final hurdle” in hopes of making the team, but his body “gave up” at the last moment.
Despite the disappointment, the 25-year-old struck a defiant and inspirational tone — promising to come back stronger and urging fans and players to unite behind the Warriors in Morocco.
Zemura said representing Zimbabwe remains one of his greatest motivations, adding that he had sacrificed heavily for both club and country in the build-up to selection. He admitted the timing of the injury was heartbreaking but emphasised that his absence was unavoidable.
He ended his message by calling on supporters to “scream and shout” for the team, promising he will be watching closely and spiritually standing with the squad.
Zemura’s message in full:
“You work so hard to achieve the small wins in your career. You give everything to the cause. You sacrifice everything, you work non stop. You fight till you can’t fight no more, just to represent the flag of your blood. Your mothers land your farther’s fields. You work to inspire the youth the ones after you, that’s all it ever was. Now at the final hurdle I’ve fallen, my body has given up I guess that’s the cost. The price you pay, however i will be back. I will defend these colours again. I will lead this team again. For what is Gods will, will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I wish my fellow warriors all the best luck in Morocco, I wish to be with you on the field fighting with you, I know you will be fine I know you will make us proud. I wish you my country the best. Go and defend our colours and make us proud. I’m sorry I can’t be there with you * I’ll be watching from a far but close in spirit! To the fans follow us scream for us shout for us. Again I am sorry Mwana whevu. 2 Corinthians 4:18 As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”