Trouble in Warriors camp as players and coach clash

Chaos has hit the Warriors camp in Saudi Arabia, with several senior players said to be considering walking away, Soccer24 has learnt.

Newly appointed head coach Mario Marinica is understood to be facing a serious breakdown in relations with key members of the squad. The Romanian was appointed just a week ago and took charge of his first assignment on Thursday, a 3-1 loss to Algeria.

Sources close to the camp claim the coach has been accused of poor player management and disrespectful communication, which have unsettled several players.

The situation reportedly escalated after Thursday’s game, leaving some players contemplating quitting the camp.

The turmoil has also threatened to derail Zimbabwe’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations next month in Morocco, as players are reportedly considering boycotting the tournament unless ZIFA intervenes urgently.

Soccer24 understands that the players have since formally submitted a complaint letter to ZIFA, outlining their grievances and requesting immediate action.

If ZIFA fails to address the issue promptly, it raises the possibility that the association may be forced to assemble a significantly altered squad at short notice – a scenario that would severely weaken the country’s competitiveness at the continental showpiece.

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