Story by Raynald Ngwarati
The incoming Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board has a tough assignment ahead to take Zimbabwe to the next heights in football by tapping into the country’s abundant football talent based in Europe and other continents.
From the days of Peter Ndlovu who became the first African export in the modern English Premier League era and former Liverpool goal minder Bruce Grobelaar, Zimbabwe has always produced exciting football talent.
The older generations always reminisce the ‘Dream Team’ under German coach Reinhard Fabisch which was arguably the best ever Warriors squad, however about two-decades later in the era of another German gaffer, Michael Nees the best days for Zimbabwean football seem to be knocking on the door yet again if the appropriate steps are taken.
While it has always been a dream to have a squad dominated by players playing at the highest level in Europe, Zimbabwe is now at its peak in terms of football talent with the likes of Trey Nyoni, Isaac Mabaya, Shumhaira Mheuka, Leon Chiwome and Michael Ndiweni featuring in England topflight senior teams.
Although promising to be a powerhouse if the young talent pledges allegiance to represent Zimbabwe, most of the talent has not been formally approached although others have highlighted their interest in donning the country’s colors.
Former footballer and analyst, Justice Majabvi told the ZBC News, “We used to wish this when it was happening to the West Africans and maybe North Africa as well when they had all players with vast experience and also exposure in Europe. So now it’s our turn as we have youngsters some of whom were born in Europe and some in Zimbabwe, but moved to Europe when they were young.”
Majabvi believes these youngsters can agree to play for the Warriors if approached by the football governing body in the country.
“This is the time as we want to prepare for the future of our football as we have got young talents so this will help us in future to have a stronger team. If we build on these youngsters it’s an opportunity to improve our football and also utilise this moment, so this is the time not only for whoever is coming to ZIFA, but also whoever is in the office right now. This is the moment we should be engaging those players. By the time we prepare for the 2025 AFCON we should be in a position to bring some of these players.”
The country has vast amounts of talent in the diaspora, with a number of those players attracting foreign nations and receiving call ups in the junior ranks, however, they still remain eligible to play for the Warriors.
Notably, 18-year-old Panashe Madanha has played for the Australian U20 team after impressive performances for Adelaide United’s first team, similar fate with the likes of Nyoni, Chiwome and Mabaya who have represented England in the junior ranks
