Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HALF of Cape Verde’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was born abroad, mainly in Portugal, France, Netherlands and United States.
The country recognised its migratory communities, especially those players raised and developed in top European academies.
The players remained connected to their parent country and were integrated into the system.
It’s something which former Warriors midfielder, Memory Mucherahowa, wants Zimbabwe to emulate.
Mucherahowa is the most successful club captain in Zimbabwean football history.
He led Dynamos to the 1998 CAF Champions League final and is now based in the United Kingdom.
There are also thousands of Zimbabweans living across Europe.
Mucherahowa wants ZIFA to emulate Cape Verde and walk the talk when it comes to convincing players of Zimbabwean origin to represent their motherland.
ZIFA, under the leadership of Nqobile Magwizi who is currently in the United States for the World Cup final, have already launched a programme aimed at tapping talent in the diaspora.
Titled “Roots & Dreams: A Conversation with ZIFA”, the ambitious programme was launched in 2025 and saw Magwizi tour the UK to interact with players based in that country.
Interim Warriors coach Kaitano Tembo has also indicated that he is monitoring hundreds of players in the diaspora.
However, Mucherahowa wants ZIFA to catch the players at a young age and not wait to approach them when they have several choices.
“We have good players here like Trey Nyoni of Liverpool, I believe he is Zimbabwean but he is not keen to play for Zimbabwe, because he is hoping to play for England one day.
“But I am saying if these kids were to be incorporated into the system at a young age, I am sure players like Nyoni would have loved to play for Zimbabwe.
“They need to feel that they belong to Zimbabwe from an early age.”
He added:
“What Cape Verde have done is a lesson that these youngsters need to be integrated at a young stage.
“Cape Verde are an example of how to tap talent in the diaspora.
“ZIFA have to be more organised and motivate the young players to play for Zimbabwe.
“There is a lot of talent here in the UK.
“Yes, some might say they are favoured but the truth is this side’s players have proper training facilities and highly qualified coaches.”
Mucherahowa has been following the 2026 World Cup and was disappointed when England fell 2-1 against Argentina in the semi-final on Wednesday night.
He thought this was the perfect opportunity for the Three Lions to lift the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
But, he was happy with the progress made by some African nations, especially Morocco, who reached the last eight before falling to former champions France.
“Africa is moving and I feel we (Zimbabwe) are being left behind.
“Morocco are moving in the right direction although they did not reach the semis like in 2022.
“Spain have also shown us what consistency and patience can reap.
“Most of their players played together from the national youth teams,” said Mucherahowa.
