Costa Nhamoinesu has pulled out of the COSAFA Cup after his Czech club Sparta Prague barred him from taking part in the tournament.

Nhamoinesu was named in the 20 men squad that left Harare by road this morning for South Africa but had to drop out after his club expressed its reservations.

“My club was reluctant in having me play in this tournament, but I convinced them and came here. Last night they called me saying I should report back as soon as possible,” said Nhamoinesu.

“The thing is, I missed some games because of injury, and the club wants me to go for some treatment in Germany. So I am cutting short my stay here and go back. These are the things that happen in our professional world.”

The Warriors still have three slots to add players as they had two other slots before the withdrawal of Nhamoinesu. Captain Knowledge Musona has very slim chances of making it into the team as he is carrying an injury and is expected to be assessed by the medical team when he flies directly into South Africa from Belgium.

Another Belgium based player Marvellous Nakamba has been ruled through injury. Zimbabwe play their opening match in the Cosafa Cup at the quarter-final stage on Sunday.