Ndlovu slams Warriors team manager over Billiat

Peter Ndlovu has hit back at Wellington Mpandare after the Zimbabwe team manager claimed he was blocking Khama Billiat from travelling to Harare for the 2019 Afcon qualifier against Liberia.

This comes after Sundowns withdrew Billiat from the Warriors squad for Sunday’s match, citing an injury for his withdrawal.

However, reports later emerged that Ndlovu prevented Billiat from attending the Warriors’ camp.

Ndlovu, who is the Sundowns team manager, travelled with Billiat to Zimbabwe on Wednesday, where the midfielder was declared unfit to play by the Warriors’ doctors.

“I do not make decisions for Sundowns, but Billiat was injured on the ankle and he has been out. He still needs three to four weeks to recover. I wish there was a miracle that can be done for him to play on Sunday.

“I do not keep grudges. I am clean and I will stick and stand by what I said. Anthony Laffor, another international, is injured, so is Khama,” Ndlovu told Bulawayo24.

“I am not angry, but Mpandare should not question my loyalty.

“My family is not happy about it. I do not stoop so low.

“Whether he likes it or not one day I will work for Zimbabwe and I hope people will understand that. I am here to clear the air and I just wish if I was still playing with Mpandare being a defender of the opposing team. I would dribble past him like nobody’s business.

“We need facts to be said not people to believe in hearsay. I brought Khama’s medical reports with me, but I am disappointed with what was said. I used to make a lot of sacrifices for Zimbabwe. Khama is Zimbabwean and I am Zimbabwean so how can I turn my back on my country?

“The tone used by Wellington was not good.

“He is my brother and whatever I am saying I am not taking it personal, but I am telling him. He must use a good tone and he must be humble and professional and this must be on record.

“Mosimane [Pitso, Sundowns coach], and I spoke to him on the phone with coach [Norman] Mapeza, but the conversation turned sour. He loves Zimbabwe, and he loves Africa, and when we say things that benefit Zimbabwe some people will begin to say that we are blocking a player, which is very bad.”

Zimbabwe and Liberia are set to clash at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.