Zimbabwe Warriors forward Walter Musona has steadily evolved into one of the national team’s most influential modern attackers, earning a reputation for altering the tempo and intensity of big matches. Over the past few years, his explosive pace, trademark direct running and confidence on the ball have frequently unsettled some of the continent’s toughest defensive units. Whether deployed as a winger or a floating forward, Musona has repeatedly shown the ability to turn defence into attack with just one burst from midfield.
His technical qualities extend beyond movement. Musona has also become a reliable weapon from set pieces, scoring eye-catching free kicks and long-range efforts in several crucial qualifiers. These moments of individual brilliance have often arrived when the Warriors needed them most, cementing his image as a player who thrives under pressure. National team coaches, from different eras, have consistently turned to him in high-stakes situations because he rarely shies away from responsibility. When fully fit, Musona’s willingness to take on defenders naturally stretches the pitch, creating pockets of space for creative midfielders to dictate play.
Consequently, the Warriors tend to look far more threatening whenever he is on the team sheet—whether he starts or comes off the bench. Supporters have, over time, associated his presence with renewed energy, belief and attacking intent during major qualifiers. For many fans, Musona represents a spark the national team often struggles to replace. This established history of impact is precisely what has intensified the current debate surrounding his surprise omission from Zimbabwe’s upcoming AFCON preparations.
Walter Musona Declines to Undergo ZIFA AFCON Fitness Tests
However, Musona’s tournament ambitions took an unexpected downturn following a very public disagreement regarding his fitness status. The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) issued a statement saying the Scottland FC captain had suffered a hamstring complaint during the Warriors’ friendly match against Algeria in Saudi Arabia. According to ZIFA, the forward had reportedly skipped a training session ahead of a subsequent friendly against Qatar because he continued to feel discomfort in the affected muscle.
The association went on to explain that Musona had been instructed to bring an ultrasound report from his club medical staff before joining camp. When that documentation was allegedly not provided, ZIFA said the technical team ordered an MRI scan instead to obtain clarity on the player’s condition. It was after this sequence of events, they said, that coaches made the decision to drop him from the squad.
Musona, however, did not take the news quietly. In a strongly worded Facebook post, the winger publicly declared that he was “1000% fit,” sharply contradicting the assessment of both the medical and technical departments. His bold insistence fuelled questions about the accuracy and transparency of the injury evaluation process. Within hours, screenshots of his comments circulated widely, prompting heated debate across social media platforms, football forums and WhatsApp groups. The dispute quickly escalated from a medical matter to one of communication breakdown and administrative mistrust.
As fans dissected both versions of events, the controversy threatened to overshadow crucial AFCON preparations. Instead of focusing on tactics, combinations and building squad unity, attention has shifted toward rumours, conflicting narratives and perceived divisions within the team environment. Observers worry that such public disagreements—especially involving a high-profile player with strong fan support—could affect morale in a camp already facing the pressure of returning to the continental stage after years of administrative turbulence.
Musona’s defenders argue that a player with his track record deserves clearer dialogue and fairer handling, especially considering his history of stepping up when the national team needs him. They believe the omission deprives the Warriors of an experienced attacking outlet capable of changing games. On the other hand, those siding with the association maintain that medical guidelines exist for a reason and that no individual—regardless of reputation—can bypass established procedures designed to protect players and maintain discipline in camp.
What remains certain is that the saga has opened broader questions about communication standards between players, clubs and national team administrators. It has also reignited debate about injury management protocols in Zimbabwean football, an area long criticised for inconsistency and misunderstanding.
As the Warriors continue their AFCON build-up, the hope among supporters is that the situation stabilises before it disrupts the squad’s competitive focus. Whether or not Musona returns to the fold will depend on further clarity, medical reassessment and dialogue between all parties. For now, the episode highlights both the passion surrounding national team selection and the delicate balance required to manage elite players whose presence can change the trajectory of a match—and sometimes, the mood of an entire fan base.
Source- iHarare
