Bafana’s AFCON opponents Zimbabwe rocked by camp withdrawal

Andy Rinomhota, Tawanda Chirewa: Picture by ZIFA

Zimbabwe have suffered a major blow after central midfielder Andy Rinomhota shockingly withdrew from the squad preparing for the 2025 AFCON finals.

The linkman who plies his trade for League One side Reading FC pulled out of camp just two days after arriving in Marrakech, Morocco, from his England base. He had teamed up with the group that had been camping in Harare, Zimbabwe. Rinomhota even took part in a team photo shoot on Thursday while wearing shirt number 10.

The 28-year-old will now miss the AFCON tournament, a major blow for the Warriors. This comes as coach Mario Marinica also excluded the vice-captain and former Orlando Pirates midfielder, Marshall Munetsi, from his squad under controversial circumstances.

This is not the first time Rinomhota has excused himself from national team duties. He turned down a call-up in September. Former coach Michael Nees had called him up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Benin. He was unavailable while focusing on finding a new club after Cardiff City FC released him.

Marinica is yet to confirm the man who will replace Rinomhota. Zimbabwe open their AFCON Group B campaign against Egypt on Monday. They face Angola on Boxing Day before closing their group campaign against Bafana Bafana on December 29.

WHY DID RINOMHOTA WITHDRAW FROM THE ZIMBABWE AFCON CAMP?

Andy Rinomhota: Picture by ZIFA

In a statement, Rinomhota explained why he opted to excuse himself from the AFCON squad.

“I wish to inform the public that I have had to withdraw from the Zimbabwe Men’s National Team camp, effective immediately, due to an urgent family matter that requires my full personal attention,” said Rinomhota.

“I am deeply gutted to miss out on a tournament of this magnitude. Representing Zimbabwe at the highest level has always been a source of pride. While I was fully committed to this opportunity, the timing of this family matter means I am not in the right psychological space to give the team my very best.

“This decision has not been taken lightly. As a player, I remain fully committed to the national team and look forward to returning to duty once the family matter has been resolved.

“I would like to wish my teammates and the entire technical group the very best at the tournament. I will be supporting them wholeheartedly and praying that Zimbabwe goes all the way. And I respectfully request privacy for myself and my family during this period.”