By Steve Vickers BBC Sport, Harare

Ndlovu is still a Warrior

His change of heart came after overwhelming public pressure and extensive meetings with the coaching department and other stakeholders.

"Three weeks ago I'd made up my mind that I'm not going to play anymore," Ndlovu said at a press conference.

Ndlovu plans to quit

"It's been a very hard decision, people have been encouraging me and the whole nation has helped in my decision."

Ndlovu had been unhappy with the Zimbabwe Football Association over camping arrangements and the lack of attention given to the team.

It's nothing to do with money, it's the welfare of the players. Peter Ndlovu

"It's nothing to do with money, it's the welfare of the players regarding training facilities and other standard things. It's not a lot that I'm asking for," explained Ndlovu.

It also emerged that other players were set to follow Ndlovu in leaving the national team.

"I had a three-hour meeting with Peter and other players who were ready to quit, if not the whole team," said Karikoga Kaseke of the newly-formed Warriors Trust Fund.

"The coach would have needed to start again with the Under-23 team."

Ndlovu's participation at the Nations Cup was crucial for Zimbabwe, who can now look to Tunisia with some degree of confidence.

"I phoned Peter every day to persuade him to change his mind and I'll be slaughtering a cow to celebrate and everyone's welcome to join me," said team manager Rafik Adam.

While Ndlovu's future with the national team has been clarified, his fate at English First Division side Sheffield United remain uncertain.