Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Warriors utility player Gerald Takwara has bemoaned Zimbabwe’s suspension from international football tournaments by FIFA early this year.
The 27-year-old, who was arguably by far Zimbabwe’s best player at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 finals, said the ban has negatively impacted his growth as a player.
Takwara was even named man of the match in Zimbabwe’s last game – a 2-1 triumph over Guinea and he had hoped that his experiences in Cameroon in January will propel his career.
Speaking to Soccer24 from his base in Saudi Arabia, where he now turns out for the Middle East county’s second-tier side Ohodo FC, Takwara said:
After having a good tournament, all I wanted to do is to keep on having more international games and grow as a player.
It’s so painful after the tournament I couldn’t and still can’t play anymore, but it is what it is.
FIFA banned Zimbabwe from global football in February this year because of “third-party” interference in the running of the game, which is contrary to FIFA statutes.
The suspension came after the government-appointed Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) suspended the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board in November 2021.
SRC suspended the ZIFA executives because of alleged sexual harassment of female referees by technical staff and allegations of fraud.
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