Ephraim Chawanda tells Zimbabwean FA to go to hell regarding Barcelona friendly

Friday Nov 10, 2017. 09:00

Although he was mentioned in the Zimbabwean squad of legends to face Barcelona in a friendly on Sunday, Ephraim Chawanda has turned down the offer.

Known as the 'The Rock of Gibraltar', the legend has turned down the offer to take part in the match and described the event as a 'circus'.

The former defender, who captained the Warriors side, was included in a 33-man squad announced for the match set for the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

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However, in a strongly-worded statement posted on his Facebook page, the 1988 Soccer Star of the Year chastised the organisers for including him on the list, without checking on his availability.

“My friends and family have been misled by the media that I will be in Zimbabwe for a certain game in Harare, it’s a lie,” said Chawanda on Facebook.

“For those who put my name on such a list without consulting me first, for the lack of better words, please go to hell. I cannot be part of disorganisation or a circus that disrespects former footballers.”

Some of the names in the squad include former Warriors skipper Peter Ndlovu, Benjani Mwaruwari, Norman Mapeza, Japhet Muparutsa and Kaitano Tembo.

The NewsDay website reports that with at least half of the names of the people on the list based outside the country, it remains to be seen if they will be able to travel for the exhibition match.

Meanwhile, Sunday Chidzambwa will coach the team and will be assisted by David Mandigora and Rahman Gumbo.