Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER honing his skills in Portugal, Cobert Junior Chimedza believes he is ready for bigger challenges, including a breakthrough into the Warriors.
The 21-year-old winger recently joined Croatian side NK Međimurje Čakovec from Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit Gil Vicente.
He had spent much of his time on loan at lower-tier club AC Marinhense.
Chimedza, who was part of the Warriors’ training camp ahead of the 2025 AFCON finals, is now hoping his latest move will accelerate his development and bring him closer to the national team.
Still eligible for the national Under-23 side, the versatile forward is also keeping a close eye on the Young Warriors as they pursue qualification for the 2027 AFCON finals and the 2028 Olympic Games. “During my time in Portugal, I got to understand the game and learn more about it. “You have to play football with a purpose, understanding spaces and tactics.
“At Gil Vicente and Marinhense, they really focused on understanding the game, your position, what you have to do with the ball and seeing the spaces.”
A speedy winger who can also operate as a number 10, Chimedza believes his experience in Europe has given him the tools to make a meaningful contribution to Zimbabwean football.
He is particularly encouraged by the progress of the Young Warriors, who thrashed Mauritius 6-1 on aggregate in the first round of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and will face Mali in the next round in November. “I have been following both the national team and the Under-23 side. I was called for the AFCON camp and trained with big names like Knowledge Musona and Marvelous Nakamba. I also know a couple of players in the Under-23 team. The boys are good and they enjoy playing together. I am liking it and I also feel I can bring something. It’s everyone’s dream to wear the national team jersey,” he said.
Chimedza is equally optimistic about the impact his move to Croatia will have on his development, pointing to the contrasting styles of football in the two countries.
“I can see I have improved. In Portugal, we played in tight spaces, while here in Croatia the game is wide open.
“The development in Portugal was good. You are playing with players who compete at the highest level and learning from them.
“I am still learning; there is never a point where you stop learning. The schooling in Portugal was important. You have to be consistent in what you do, and everything is very detailed. They pay attention to detail,” he said.
With the Under-23 coach indicating that the door remains open for new faces, Chimedza could yet force his way into contention as Zimbabwe build towards the next phase of their campaign.
“I can see these are exciting times for Zimbabwean football. The National Sports Stadium is back and there is a vibe.
“I love my country and I am convinced the future is bright for Zimbabwe. We can reach greater heights,” he said.
