ZIFA Faces Backlash Over Controversial Inclusion of Nathan Mutasa in COSAFA Warriors Squad

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has landed in the eye of a storm following the last-minute and controversial inclusion of Scotland-based midfielder Nathan Mutasa in the Warriors squad for the 2024 COSAFA Cup. The tournament kicks off tomorrow in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and will run until June 14.

Mutasa, son of high-profile socialite and entrepreneur Pokello Nare, was notably absent from the official squad list announced just a week ago by Warriors coach Michael Nees. However, in a dramatic and unexplained twist, the young midfielder was spotted yesterday at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport clad in full Warriors gear, preparing to travel with the team. Eyewitnesses and a now-deleted post from Scotland FC confirmed his presence, leaving fans and pundits questioning how and why the sudden switch occurred.

The change came at the cost of Dynamos midfielder Vusa Ngwenya, who had originally been selected for the squad. With Coach Nees currently in Morocco with the main Warriors team for international friendlies, it remains unclear whether the decision to include Mutasa was sanctioned by him or pushed through by other figures within ZIFA. The governing body has remained tight-lipped, failing to issue any formal statement regarding the unexpected roster shake-up.

Fueling further speculation, Scotland FC briefly celebrated Mutasa’s national call-up on social media before swiftly deleting their posts. The radio silence from both the club and the football association has only intensified criticism, with many suspecting behind-the-scenes influence and favoritism rather than merit-based selection.

Mutasa’s limited playing time in the Scottish lower leagues has also raised questions about his readiness for a regional competition of COSAFA’s magnitude. Critics argue that his credentials fall short compared to local players like Ngwenya, who have been consistent performers in Zimbabwe’s top league.

The decision has sparked widespread frustration among supporters. Fans flooded social media with comments suggesting the move reflects the rot within Zimbabwean football. Many accused ZIFA of undermining meritocracy and accused the association of bowing to personal interests rather than national footballing standards.

Despite the controversy, the Warriors have already left for South Africa, where they will face Mauritius in their opening Group A match tomorrow at 6 pm. Zimbabwe’s group also includes hosts South Africa and Mozambique. The Warriors boast an impressive record in the COSAFA Cup against all three group opponents, including an unbeaten run against Mozambique and Mauritius, and a clean record against South Africa in this competition.

Zimbabwe remains one of the most decorated teams in COSAFA Cup history, having won the title six times, most recently in 2018. However, recent campaigns have seen the country struggle, failing to progress past the group stages in 2021 due to understrength squads and inconsistent performances.

The team heading to Bloemfontein this year will be under the guidance of junior coach Simon Marange, assisted by Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla. Meanwhile, the senior Warriors squad is in Morocco preparing for international friendlies against Burkina Faso and Niger.

As the tournament gets underway, questions continue to swirl around ZIFA’s transparency and decision-making processes. Whether Mutasa’s inclusion proves to be a bold masterstroke or a misstep rooted in nepotism, only the performances on the pitch will tell. For now, the controversy lingers, casting a long shadow over Zimbabwe’s COSAFA Cup campaign.