Tinotenda Hove – WARRIORS captain Marvelous Nakamba, defender Teenage Hadebe and midfielder Tawanda Chirewa sparked controversy on Friday after paying a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare.

The meeting, held as Zimbabwe’s national football team prepares for upcoming international fixtures, has drawn sharp criticism online. Instead of praise, many fans view the engagement with the Head of State as a political stunt that risks tarnishing the players’ reputations.

Following the visit, England-born Chirewa posted on social media calling it “an honour” to meet President Mnangagwa. The Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder also pledged to “contribute to the growth and development of football in Zimbabwe,” a statement that did little to calm skeptical supporters.

On social media, the reaction was swift and largely negative. Fans accused the trio of aligning with politics at a time when the Warriors should be focused solely on football. Many referenced a long-standing superstition among Zimbabwean fans that photo ops with political figures bring bad form and stalled careers.

Critics argue the visit highlights misplaced priorities within the Warriors camp. With crucial international matches ahead, detractors say the players should be training, not posing for political PR. The episode has reignited debate over whether mixing sport and politics damages player image and performance.

Neither Nakamba, Hadebe nor Chirewa has responded to the backlash. As Zimbabwe prepares for key fixtures, expectations remain high, but Friday’s meeting has left a section of fans questioning whether off-pitch distractions will derail recent progress on the field.