Walter Musona Declares Full Fitness Amid Zimbabwe Warriors Camp Controversy

Walter Musona has pushed back against reports suggesting he was sidelined from the Zimbabwe Warriors camp due to injury. The former Polokwane City striker, who was dropped from camp a few days ago, insists he is “1000% fit,” countering claims from new Warriors coach Marian “Mario” Marinica that instructed the medical team to classify him as unavailable.

According to reports, Musona was told to step aside after scans allegedly indicated he could not participate. The Romanian coach is said to be reviewing players’ medical conditions closely, with some claims suggesting he is instructing the medical department to list certain players as injured. Musona’s public statement appears to challenge this narrative, asserting that he is in full health and ready for selection.

Musona is not the only player affected under similar circumstances. Junior Makunike, Andrew Mbeba, Tymon Machope, Xolani Ndlovu, and Emmanuel Jalai have all faced setbacks due to injuries or medical evaluations. Some players reportedly received no formal results after being told they were injured, raising questions about the squad’s internal processes.

In response, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) released a detailed clarification on the injury status of several players. Musona reportedly suffered a hamstring issue against Algeria in Saudi Arabia and missed training ahead of the Qatar match due to pain. He was instructed to provide an ultrasound scan before camp but did not submit it. An MRI scan was conducted on the first day of camp, with official results still pending, and he will rejoin the squad once cleared.

Emmanuel Jalai sustained a contusion on his right thigh and was released for physiotherapy, expected to return for further assessment on Thursday. Tymon Machope and Junior Makunike both arrived at camp with injuries confirmed to prevent participation in AFCON. Xolani Ndlovu picked up an injury on the first day and requested time to recover, while Andrew Mbeba continues to manage a right knee issue that keeps him sidelined.

ZIFA emphasized that players were instructed to bring radiological reports, with most complying. The medical team is actively evaluating all players’ fitness, supported by GPS data collected during training. To address the multiple injuries affecting squad depth, the technical team plans to expand its player pool, including calling up players outside the original 55-man provisional list as AFCON preparations continue.

ZIFA reiterated its commitment to transparency and ensuring players receive the necessary support for peak performance at the continental tournament.