The Zimbabwe Football Association was scrambling to obtain a work permit for its new national soccer coach following his deportation this week by immigration authorities for allegedly working on an illegal basis.
Belgian Tom Saintfiet was served with a deportation order during team training on Tuesday and left for South Africa to await the outcome of his application for a work permit.
The timing is not good to say the least: Zimbabwe's Warriors are scheduled to play an African Cup Of Nations qualifier in Harare against Cape Verde on the weekend, and Saintfiet risks missing his first big Zimbabwean match.
ZIFA sources said the national organization will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday seeking a solution.
The association allowed the 37-year-old coach to assume his duties without complete documentation.
ZIFA Director for National Teams Benedict Moyo told VOA Studio 7 reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye that the organization is doing all it can to clear the way for Saintfiet to resume his duties.