Tigere Chagutah (Zimbabwe)

The answer is a flat NO! the way I look at it Pompey should count themselves lucky if we let him go to face Everton this weekend, we need to fine tune our combinations and formations. This is a FIFA sanctioned tournament and when these European teams sign on African players they do it with full knowledge that the Afcon Cup is held every two years and it will invariably clash with their plans, they also do it knowing that FIFA will compel them to release our players so this is a question of principle. They should treat African players professionally and not subject them to underhand armtwisting and psychological and emotional blackmail.

Benji should realise that he is at Pompey on merit and not by favour so he owes nobody an apology if he makes the decision which he should make and that is to represent his country who need him more now than ever.. its no use providing for your family if you are going to desert them when they need you the most... infact it begins to feel like aida kutivhara, we should learn valuable lessons from countries like Nigeria who have failed to live up to their potential because of a lack of national pride... and people like Fabrice Akwa who have served their countries consistently and unwaveringly against heavy odds over the years...... look at them now, they are headed for Germany 2006, a fitting tribute to a galant son of the Angolan soil.. and besides have you seen how the English are so proud of their national side, even predicting World Cup triumph out of thin air, ever heard of Rooney, Becks, Lampard or Gerard opting out of national committments? the lads practically fall over themselves trying to secure starting places..... its a wonderful thing playing for your country, bringing hope to millions of Zimbabweans in these difficult times, for any one to deny us that is simply criminal.... and Benji you don't want to be an accomplice!