Zimbabwe head coach Zdravko Logarušić says he’s blue-ticked and blocked the European-based stars on WhatsApp who ignored his international call-ups before qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Logarušić helped the Warriors oust Zambia to book their ticket to Cameroon without a host of their high-profile players with a 2-2 draw against champions Algeria, followed by the 1-0 win over Botswana in Group H.
Despite losing 2-0 at home to the Chipolopolo in the final group fixture, they had already secured qualification and the Croatian opened up about the lack of commitment from some of their overseas-based stars.
“The first time when I called up [international] players they ignored us, now it’s a different story [since qualifying for AFCON] but now my number is blocked,” he explained.
“We will see how things go but we can’t afford someone to play a game and choose when he wants to play next or simply ignore us [ZIFA]. I could not allow this, I must respect the country that gave me a job and nobody can play with this country and choose games.
“When I called those players in Europe, most of them ignored, not each time they are calling and they can’t reach me – but they are giving information [to ZIFA] saying they can’t reach the coach.”
— Kick Off
