HOPE NOT LOST FOR MABAYA

Langton Nyakwenda

TWICE in the last four months, Zimbabwe has made futile attempts to turn Liverpool starlet Isaac Mabaya’s heart but the 19-year-old defender is still unsure of his international future.

There are just 55 days before the Warriors plunge into World Cup qualifiers.

Mabaya is one of a number of United Kingdom-born Zimbabwean players, known as the British Brigade, the country is hoping to tie up ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa in early June.

Zimbabwe host Lesotho on June 3, before playing South Africa away seven days later.

The availability of the British Brigade is seen as key for the Warriors.

Nine of them, including Macauley Bonne (Cambridge United), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford B), Shane Marodza (Huddersfield Town), Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle) and Joey Phuti (Sheffield Wednesday), were part of the Warriors squad which took part in a four-nations tournament during the international break in March.

Andy Rinomhota (Rotherham United), Tivonge Rushesha (Reading), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Tawanda Masvanhise (Leicester City) also heeded the call-up.

However, it appears there could be light at the end of the tunnel in Zimbabwe’s bid to rope in Mabaya, as meetings are being held between the player and Team Zimbabwe UK, a football organisation headed by Marshal Gore.

The United Kingdom football enthusiast has been a key figure in the negotiations between the local football governing body and the UK born players.

Gore, who watched the Warriors in Malawi last month, said “progress has been made” with regards to Mabaya’s passport application.

“I met with Isaac (Mabaya), we have also been talking to his father (David) and I can confirm we have done his passport application this side.

“I am sure progress has been made

“Remember, Isaac has been injured but we communicate regularly, when he plays I support him.”

A nagging ankle injury has limited Mabaya’s game time at Liverpool.

“He is part of the family and it will be good to see him play for the Warriors. It’s work in progress.

“I know where his heart lies, he is passionate about Zimbabwe, you can see it each time we meet and discuss,” said Gore.