Warriors coach Michael Nees was reportedly forced to drop Tino Kadewere from the match-day squad ahead of the 1-0 defeat to Rwanda at Orlando Stadium, South Africa, on Tuesday.
Reports from across the Limpopo indicate that Nees got instructions from Zifa to drop the Greece-based forward.
However, a source within the Warriors camp indicated that the German tactician still has faith and banks on Kadewere going forward.
“The coach still believes Kadewere is one of the best options Zimbabwe has in as far as strikers are concerned.
“So despite what happened at Monday’s training session, the coach still had plans with him, but there was an instruction to drop him,” revealed the source.
Kadewere sat out during the final moments of Monday’s training session after picking up a knock and was doubtful going into the match against Rwanda.
The Greece-based forward, together with defender Brendon Galloway, were the injury concerns for the coach, resulting in Simba Bhora’s Isheanesu Mauchi being roped in as a cover.
“Of course, Kadewere was an injury concern going into the match against Rwanda, but indications were that he could give the coach some minutes,” added the source.
Despite Kadewere’s absence, Zimbabwe’s struggles in front of goal continued, and Nees admitted that it is something they need to work on.
“We must find a way to put the ball in the back of the net, and that was lacking.
“We were dominating, we had chances, and we lacked around the box. It was one-way football at some point.
“We created clear-cut chances and also forced a good save from the goalkeeper,” said Nees.
“I appeal to everybody to stick together, be a little bit humble.
“If we fight with each other, we have had incidents here, and I hope they are all sorted out.
“We will not benefit; we all need positive energy.
“We wanted to break that with a result to get that positive mood.
“Definitely, we have too much noise, there is no doubt about that . . . we have to stop that on various platforms,” said Nees.
