By Mohammed Allie BBC Sport, Cape Town

John Mbidzo last played for Zimbabwe in July 1995

Despite his outstanding displays for South African club Santos, Zimbabwean defender John Mbidzo has failed to make the Warriors' provisional squad for next month's African Nations Cup finals in Tunisia.

Mbidzo has been in brilliant form for the Cape Town club during its golden run of one league championship and three Cups in the last three seasons, which is why he struggles to explain his absence from international football.

And the 35-year-old central defender says he doesn't know what more he can do to attract the attention of Zimbabwe coach Sunday Marimo.

"I think I've been one of the most consistent performers in the South African league, which is one of the toughest in Africa," the dreadlocked Mbidzo told the BBC Sport website.

"I don't usually talk about myself but I think I still have a lot to offer the Zimbabwean team."

Mbidzo last played for Zimbabwe in July 1995 when the Warriors lost 1-0 to Cameroon in Yaounde, and so narrowly failed to qualify for the following year's Nations Cup finals.

That was Mbidzo's 20th cap for the national side, and he has been trying to add to his tally ever since.

"I think my experience could help the Zimbabwean side, especially the younger players who may be overawed by the occasion," he added.

Those who have seen Mbidzo stabilising the miserly Santos defence, as well as those who play with him, can't believe the defender isn't part of Marimo's plans for Zimbabwe's maiden appearance at the Nations Cup finals.

"I'm really surprised that John isn't even in Zimbabwe's provisional squad," says South African goalkeeper Andre Arendse who played behind Mbidzo in the Santos goal for three seasons.

"He really is a top class defender who could have done a terrific job for Zimbabwe."

"John would have been a hit in Tunisia - he gives you so much stability in defence and his ability to read the game gave me, as a goalkeeper, so much confidence."

Kenya captain Musa Otieno, who partners Mbidzo in the centre of Santos' defence, also finds it difficult to believe his teammate is not in the Warriors' provisional squad.

"John is such a good reader of the game - his anticipation makes the game look easy," Otieno told BBC Sport.

"He certainly would have provided stability to their defence."

Yet although the Zimbabwean won't be contesting the Warriors' first-ever Nations Cup appearance, there may at least be one Mbidzo in the squad.

The Santos defender is one of five brothers, all of whom have been involved with football in one way or another, and younger brother Farai - who plays for German second division side VFB Lubeck - has been named in the provisional squad.

"I still haven't given up on forcing my way into the squad but if I don't make it, I hope Farai does," brother John explained.