Sports / Soccer
Zifa courts players with Zimbabwean links
22 Oct 2013 at 23:54hrs | Views
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) says they have written to over 70 football federations requesting names of professional and semi-professionals playing in various leagues in the world as the association seeks to provide the Warriors technical department with a wider selection base.
This follows reports that Chesterfield midfielder Tendayi Darikwa, a Zimbabwean by origin, had attracted the attention of Manchester United coach David Moyes.
Darikwa has indicated that he will be interested in playing for Zimbabwe although he was born in England to Zimbabwean parents.
Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said Zifa resolved to look for Zimbabwean players in various leagues in the world.
"We have written to over 70 football associations in the world requesting them to provide us with names of players in their leagues. We want all players of
Zimbabwean origin playing either professional or semi-professional football. While we take pride in the independence of our technical department, once we get all this information, we will notify the technical team which will then use its discretion in team selection," Gwesela said.
The 21-year-old Darikwa - born in Nottingham to Zimbabwean parents - holds a British passport. He, however, gave a strong hint he could play for the Warriors if selected.
A number of Zimbabwean starlets are dotted around the globe with most of them doing well for their respective teams.
These include former Prince Edward High school student Tinotenda Chibharo, who is playing for Manchester City Under-21 side. At one stage, he was given the armband to lead the young side.
Bradley Pritchard - who plays for Charlton Athletic in England, was once called up for national duty by former Warriors coach Rahman Gumbo, but surprisingly was never given a chance.
Other Zimbabwean players in Europe are Brendan Zibusiso Galloway (17) (Milton Keynes Dons, England), Lyle Orange and Mikaeel White (Barnet, England), Cecil Nyoni (Nottingham Forest, England), Jonathan Fusco (Sheffield Wednesday, England), Munya Mbanje (16) (Leeds Academy), Tando Yuji Velaphi (Australian Super-A League).
This follows reports that Chesterfield midfielder Tendayi Darikwa, a Zimbabwean by origin, had attracted the attention of Manchester United coach David Moyes.
Darikwa has indicated that he will be interested in playing for Zimbabwe although he was born in England to Zimbabwean parents.
Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said Zifa resolved to look for Zimbabwean players in various leagues in the world.
"We have written to over 70 football associations in the world requesting them to provide us with names of players in their leagues. We want all players of
Zimbabwean origin playing either professional or semi-professional football. While we take pride in the independence of our technical department, once we get all this information, we will notify the technical team which will then use its discretion in team selection," Gwesela said.
The 21-year-old Darikwa - born in Nottingham to Zimbabwean parents - holds a British passport. He, however, gave a strong hint he could play for the Warriors if selected.
A number of Zimbabwean starlets are dotted around the globe with most of them doing well for their respective teams.
These include former Prince Edward High school student Tinotenda Chibharo, who is playing for Manchester City Under-21 side. At one stage, he was given the armband to lead the young side.
Bradley Pritchard - who plays for Charlton Athletic in England, was once called up for national duty by former Warriors coach Rahman Gumbo, but surprisingly was never given a chance.
Other Zimbabwean players in Europe are Brendan Zibusiso Galloway (17) (Milton Keynes Dons, England), Lyle Orange and Mikaeel White (Barnet, England), Cecil Nyoni (Nottingham Forest, England), Jonathan Fusco (Sheffield Wednesday, England), Munya Mbanje (16) (Leeds Academy), Tando Yuji Velaphi (Australian Super-A League).
Source - newsday
