ZIFA has defended under fire Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare after he was criticised by both Mamelodi Sundowns and Peter Ndlovu over his handling of Khama Billiat’s call up to the national team squad.

ZIFA through Mpandare insisted Billiat should report for camp despite his ankle injury as it is within the association’s rights.

Mpandare felt Sundowns were refusing to let Billiat go and also accused Peter Ndlovu of blocking Billiat from joining the Warriors.

Ndlovu flew in with Billiat yesterday to clear the air and blasted Mpandare for questioning his loyalty.

A statement from ZIFA sent to Soccer24 read:

THE Zimbabwe Football Association has noted with concern distasteful comments coming from Mamelodi Sundowns towards our senior national manager Wellington Mpandare.

Mupandare has conducted his duties in a professional manner

And as Zifa we are fully confident in Mpandare in the way he has discharged his duties so far and we have no doubt that he has been above  board.

As an Association, we believe our team manager acted within Fifa regulations in seeking the release of Khama Billiat for international duty and assessment by our medical team to determine the extent of his injuries.

ZIFA has great respect for the Mamelodi Sundowns president Mr Patrice Motsepe, his Executive and team management but we believe the  vitriolic attacks on Mpandare are unwarranted, in bad taste and do not promote the spirit of unity and friendliness that Fifa seeks to inculcate in the relationship between clubs and Football Associations, not forgetting the fans.