Glimmer Of Hope For UK-based Warriors As CAF Gets Involved
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has engaged the UK government after English Premier League and English Football League clubs refused to release players for international duty during the September window.
The clubs cited travel restrictions imposed by the British government on red-listed countries that required travellers to quarantine for 10 days on return to the United Kingdom, meaning that players would miss up to three domestic matches.
Several African countries, including Zimbabwe, have been affected by the move.
CAF has now confirmed that they have written to the UK government to exempt all players on international duty from the restrictions. A statement released by CAF reads in part:
CAF, acting on behalf of all African Member Associations, African players and fans, has urged the British Government to urgently provide the required exemptions to enable African players to compete for their countries in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers.
The Warriors stand to miss the services of seven players, who are named in the squad to face South Africa in Harare on September 3 and away in Ethiopia for the second Group G match four days later.
The stars include Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Luton striker Admiral Muskwe, Ipswich forward Macauley Bonne, Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura, David Moyo of Hamilton Academical and Wigan Athletic captain Tendayi Darikwa.
