Sports / Local
Irish-based former Bosso striker eyes national team call up
03 Oct 2011 at 14:32hrs | Views
FORMER Highlanders junior and now Ireland-based striker Oscar Sibanda is set for his first international call up after Zimbabwe Warriors coach Norman Mapeza expressed his willingness to have a look at the dread-locked player who turns out for Galway United in the top tier of Irish football.
Sibanda, who also played for Zimbabwe Saints Juniors, revealed this week that he was in constant touch with Mapeza who would like to assess him for national team selection.
"I am in constant touch with Mapeza and he promised to look at me and consider me for selection during friendly matches. He also said if he comes on holiday he will try to have a look at me in training with any of the local teams," said Sibanda.
Mapeza was not available for comment as his phone continuously went unanswered.
But Sibanda (23), who had a brief stint with Highlanders Juniors before pursuing his studies in Ireland, said that he was ready to represent his country at senior level having missed the chance at junior level.
"I have gained a lot of experience since I turned professional. I am ready to represent my country at international levels. I have also denounced a lot of calls for me to play for Ireland because I have my country at heart," he said.
Meanwhile Galway United mentor, John Brennan, described Sibanda as an intelligent player who needs to improve a little bit for international duties.
"He is a very intelligent player, quick and has a good eye for goal. On the international front Oscar has to improve a bit more; I am doing everything in my power to push him up to that level," he said on the club's official website.
Sibanda played for Highlanders Juniors until he went to Ireland to pursue his studies at an early age before he curved a niche for himself on the local football circle. While in Ireland, he played for East Meath United U-18 and was the top goal scorer for the team in 2007.
After sterling performances for East Meath he was snatched by Shamrock Rovers U-20 and later joined Drogheda United Reserves in 2009 where he kept banging in goals and also won the Goal of the season award.
Last year he joined Galway United and he recently got his first goal of the season. However, his side suffered a 3 0 demolition at the hands of championship favourites Bohemians during a midweek game last Wednesday.
Sibanda, who also played for Zimbabwe Saints Juniors, revealed this week that he was in constant touch with Mapeza who would like to assess him for national team selection.
"I am in constant touch with Mapeza and he promised to look at me and consider me for selection during friendly matches. He also said if he comes on holiday he will try to have a look at me in training with any of the local teams," said Sibanda.
Mapeza was not available for comment as his phone continuously went unanswered.
But Sibanda (23), who had a brief stint with Highlanders Juniors before pursuing his studies in Ireland, said that he was ready to represent his country at senior level having missed the chance at junior level.
Meanwhile Galway United mentor, John Brennan, described Sibanda as an intelligent player who needs to improve a little bit for international duties.
"He is a very intelligent player, quick and has a good eye for goal. On the international front Oscar has to improve a bit more; I am doing everything in my power to push him up to that level," he said on the club's official website.
Sibanda played for Highlanders Juniors until he went to Ireland to pursue his studies at an early age before he curved a niche for himself on the local football circle. While in Ireland, he played for East Meath United U-18 and was the top goal scorer for the team in 2007.
After sterling performances for East Meath he was snatched by Shamrock Rovers U-20 and later joined Drogheda United Reserves in 2009 where he kept banging in goals and also won the Goal of the season award.
Last year he joined Galway United and he recently got his first goal of the season. However, his side suffered a 3 0 demolition at the hands of championship favourites Bohemians during a midweek game last Wednesday.
Source - zimpapers
