Online Reporter
Collin Matiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
A football dream is under threat, not because of lack of talent, but because of red tape.
Young, UK-based Zimbabwean footballer Anotida Timire finds himself in a heart breaking dilemma. Despite being one of the most gifted young players in Britain today, attracting interest from top English clubs such as Manchester City, Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers, and Port Vale, he’s barred from signing with any of them.
Timire, whose parents are Zimbabwean healthcare workers legally residing in the UK, is caught in an immigration loophole: children of skilled foreign workers are not permitted to sign professional contracts in England, even when their talents shine on par with Europe’s elite.
While these children can access British schools and healthcare, current visa policies restrict their ability to pursue careers in professional sport. The fact that their parents contribute significantly to the UK’s healthcare system and pay taxes isn’t enough to sway the Home Office.
Children who are dependants of parents on legal work routes, or who have settled in the UK through such routes, are still not allowed to be employed as professional sportspersons, unless their parent has UK ancestry.
Now approaching 17, Timire may soon be eligible to pre-sign with elite European clubs for their Under-21 squads, opening the door to a full professional contract at 18. His skill level is exceptional by any standard.
And stepping into his corner is UK-based Zimbabwean football scout, Jomo Dyson Dzapasi, who has launched a campaign to fight this policy and advocate for Timire, and many others like him.
Dzapasi is urging parents of aspiring athletes to support a petition calling on the British government to allow these children to be employed as professionals by UK football clubs. He is determined to raise awareness of a policy he believes is unjust and damaging to the dreams of young talents.
“In my 15 years in football, I have never seen a child aged 12 to 15 with skills as remarkable as Anotida’s.
He stands out among his peers and is undoubtedly on the same level as players from renowned academies like Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, and AC Milan,” Dzapasi told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday from his base in Leeds, England.
“It’s time to reconsider policies that limit opportunities for talented children in sports.
The British government must allow children whose parents are legally in the UK to work as sports professionals.
A child in this situation, good at football, could be discovered by a top UK professional football club but be forbidden to sign with or play for them.
I urge the (British) government to recognise and address the injustice faced by children under this policy.
I think it is discriminatory, harmful, and must be abolished to ensure fairness and equality for all children.
I believe allowing a minor to sign with a professional football club is not just employment but an essential educational opportunity that fosters growth, discipline, and excellence.
Surely stopping a 9-year-old to sign for a professional club when a parent works and pay tax is unfair.
I have seen a case of a boy whose lawyers applied to get Home Office remove restrictions. They rejected with no reasons given. In my opinion if that parent can’t appeal there is 90% chance to win. Argument being why is the child allowed school, allowed NHS and allowed everything. Why is he stopped from playing football?”
Dzapasi continued:
“In fact, I would like to bring to your attention an important matter regarding young players who are dependants of healthcare workers.
As per current regulations, professional clubs are unable to sign these young talents due to restrictions outlined in their visas, which explicitly state that they are not permitted to engage in any professional sports activities.
While we can invite them to participate in trials to assess their skills and potential, it is essential to note that none will be eligible for selection by professional clubs at this time.
This policy ultimately limits opportunities for young players to enjoy football and hampers their access to development within professional environments.
In light of this, we are calling on your support for our petition to the British government, urging them to reconsider this policy.
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to engage in football and experience growth alongside professional clubs.
Together, let us advocate for a more inclusive approach that allows all young talents to flourish in the sport they love. Your support in signing the petition can make a significant difference!”
Once the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the British government will be compelled to issue an official response. At 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Dzapasi’s message is a rallying cry, not just for Anotida Timire, but for all children whose dreams deserve a level playing field.
