Warriors captain Willard Katsande has announced his retirement from the national team following Zimbabwe’s crashing exit from the Gabon AFCON 2017.

Katsande led the team as the Warriors could only manage a point at AFCON in all its three matches – which started with an impressive 2-2 draw against Algeria, then a disappointing 2-0 loss to Senegal before ending with a crashing 4-2 defeat at the hands of Tunisia.

The 31-year-old made his senior debut in 2009 before going on to amass 19 caps, he could only manage one AFCON finals. He featured prominently at AFCON 2012 qualifiers which Zimbabwe failed to qualify.

Katsande spoke to the media immediately after the match suggesting that its time for youngsters to crop up into the team.

“It’s now time for the youngsters. I think I need to pave way for the youngsters to carry the team going forward,” Katsande said.

The hard tackling midfielder featured in every minute of Zimbabwe’s group B matches and astonishingly finished the entire tournament without a booking.

He will however still concentrate on his club Kaizer Chiefs.