Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Harare – Zimbabwe’s national football team could welcome a wave of fresh talent ahead of their upcoming fixtures, with several England and Germany-based players reportedly engaged for selection following scouting missions last month.
Newly appointed coach Michael Nees is expected to name his squad soon, with exciting prospects like Liverpool’s Isaac Mabaya (21) and Chelsea’s teenage striker Shumaira Mheuka (17) among those in contention. The potential call-ups mark a significant shift in Zimbabwe’s recruitment strategy, tapping into the diaspora to strengthen the Warriors’ squad.
Sources close to the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) reveal that at least 10 foreign-based players have been approached, including:
- Lucien Mahovo (19) – Norwich City (Left-Back)
- Leon Chiwome (19) – Wolves (Striker)
- Jonah Fabisch (23) – Magdeburg, Germany (Defensive Midfielder)
- Bill Antonio (22) – KV Mechelen, Belgium (Winger)
- Tino Kadewere (29) – Nantes, France (Forward)
Notably, Liverpool’s James Balagizi (21) and 17-year-old Trey Nyoni, also from Liverpool, are under consideration, though their eligibility and commitment remain unconfirmed.
None of the targeted players have previously featured under Nees, raising questions about how quickly they can adapt to his system. A ZIFA insider told Zim GBC Sports:
“The coach is excited by the quality available abroad, but blending new faces with the existing squad won’t be easy. The focus is on building a balanced team for the Morocco clash and beyond.”
Former Coventry City striker Macauley Bonne (29), now at Southend United, could also return to the fold, adding experience to the attack. Meanwhile, Reiss Nelson (25) of Arsenal has been loosely linked, though his inclusion remains speculative.
Local supporters have expressed both excitement and caution.
“If we get Mabaya, Antonio, and Kadewere, our attack will be dangerous,” said Harare-based fan Tinashe Moyo.
“But will they gel in time?”
Others worry about consistency, given past struggles to secure diaspora players’ long-term commitment.
Zimbabwe are preparing for upcoming friendlies and 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with the Morocco fixture seen as a key test. Nees’ ability to integrate these new talents could define his early tenure.
“We’ll know soon who’s fully on board,” said a team official.
“But this could be the start of an exciting new chapter.”
Zim GBC Sports News©️2025