Canada’s cry for Warriors call-ups

Lovemore Dube

Zimpapers Sports Hub

TWO Zimbabweans based in Canada have fired a loud and clear message to the Warriors’ technical team that they are sleeping on talent.

Farai Mangwiza, a die-hard CAPS United supporter, and former Zimbabwe Under-20 defender Darlington Choto are urging ZIFA to stop circling the same tired pools and cast their net in North America, where diamonds in the rough are waiting.

“There’s serious talent here, and we’re being ignored!” thundered Mangwiza, who says he’s watched Zimbabwean youngsters in Canada go toe-to-toe with Major League Soccer prospects.

“I’ve seen boys trial with giants like Toronto FC. Why should they be overlooked just because they’re thousands of miles away? It’s time Nees or ZIFA send scouts here. These kids are proud of their roots, give them a shot!” he added.

While Warriors coach Michael Nees has been shaking hands and knocking on doors in the UK, many feel he’s missing out on a gold mine of talent in North America, and the calls for him to visit or deploy scouts to Canada and the US are only getting louder.

“Canada’s football has grown in leaps and bounds, and so have Zimbabwean kids here,” Choto told Zimpapers Sports Hub from his base in Ontario.

From a lowly FIFA ranking of 117 in 2016, Canada has shot up into the top 30, fuelled by an intense investment in youth systems and a national obsession with technical precision.

“These kids are schooled on tactics and technique from a young age,” Choto stressed. “They think faster, move better and train smarter. Some are more than ready to wear that Zimbabwe shirt.”

And he’s not just talking in theory, Choto even name-dropped a hot teenage prospect making waves in Ontario.

“Keep your eyes on Tashinga Zvemhara!” he said.

“He’s a midfield machine at Francis Libermann Catholic High School, recently trialed with Toronto FC and just signed his first pro contract with The Barrow FC. He’s got the skill, the discipline, and the passport. ZIFA, are you watching?”

Zvemhara, like many others in the Canadian system, has benefited from structured academies, competitive leagues, and top-tier coaching. According to Choto, the only thing missing is a call-up.

“Some of these boys may never crack the Canadian national team. But they’re ready to fight for Zimbabwe, if only we’d open the door.”

Asked whether the Warriors’ scouting network could finally break out of its UK tunnel vision, ZIFA technical director Jethro Hunidzarira admitted it would be a good move but bounced all questions to the federation’s media office.

The UK pipeline has already borne fruit, players like Tawanda Chirewa have proven that the diaspora is ripe with potential.

But while Marshal Gore’s UK Diaspora Group has led the charge there, no equivalent push has happened for North America.

“We’re not just talking − we’re inviting. Come here. Watch a few games. Meet the kids. You’ll be blown away,” he said.

For a Warriors team desperate to return to continental relevance, maybe it’s time they start listening.