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Langton Nyakwenda
JONAH FABISCH might be furthering his football career thousands of kilometres away from Zimbabwe, but his late father’s exploits over three decades ago keep inspiring him.
Jonah is the only son of late former Warriors coach Reinhard and ex-Zimbabwe women’s national 100m champion Chawada.
The 21-year-old, who has played once for the Warriors, recently signed a two-year deal with German Bundesliga 2 side FC Magdeburg after switching from another second-tier club, Hamburger SV, where he was part of the development squad.
He was unveiled at FC Magdeburg on June 8, amid praise from the club’s sporting director, Otmar Schork, who believes the young player has a bright future.
“He (Fabisch) is technically adept and can be used variably in the midfield options,” Schork, whose club is renowned for giving youthful players a platform to flourish, said.
Fabisch’s late father became a cult hero in Zimbabwe, when he transformed the national team, which became known as the Dream Team, into a formidable force that claimed the scalps of African giants like Cameroon, Guinea and Egypt in the early 1990s.
And, just like his father, Jonah still dreams of making the same impact for Zimbabwe.
He cherishes the single cap he got when Zimbabwe drew 1-1 against Ethiopia in a World Cup qualifier at the National Sports Stadium on November 14, 2021.
He came on as a 55th-minute substitute for Khama Billiat, who has since retired from international football.
“It (the match against Ethiopia) was a special moment for me. I was so eager to play and anxious, so it was not so easy to sit on the bench comfortably,” Fabisch told The Sunday Mail Sport from his base in Germany.
“When my name was called up, I was so full of energy and ready to go.
“Although on the field, it was not so easy to have the calmness I usually feel, which helps me focus, I tried to give my best and leave everything on the pitch,” he said.
Fabisch wants to improve his profile at FC Magdeburg so that he will be considered for Warriors duty when Zimbabwe eventually return to international football.
Zimbabwe were suspended by FIFA in February 2022 due to administrative issues.
“I can only say that I really wish the problems off the pitch can be solved as soon as possible so that the focus is on development of the sport.
“I, for sure, would like to play for the Warriors again.”
The Zimbabwe football fraternity is praying that the country is readmitted into international competitions in time for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, whose draw will be conducted in Cotonou, Benin, on July 12.
The draw will be held the night before the 45th CAF Ordinary General Assembly.
Nine teams from Africa will qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals, up from the usual five slots.
The 2026 finals will be held in three North American countries — Canada, Mexico and the United States.
For now, Fabisch can only hope that Zimbabwe will be back in time for the qualifiers.
In the meantime, the Kenya-born midfielder can concentrate on building his status at FC Magdeburg, who finished 11th in the 2022/2023 Bundesliga 2 season.
“(Signing for FC Magdeburg) it’s a dream come true. All the extra training, sacrifices and commitment are finally starting to pay off in a big way.
“I am so thankful to have this opportunity and I am looking forward to where my journey leads me next,” he said.
He paid tribute to Hamburger SV for moulding him into the player he is today.
“This past season was the best I have ever played. I really improved my strengths of being both right- and left-footed, as well as my ability to read the game.
“I scored 11 goals and made six assists, and I captained my team to almost winning the league title.
“So, I am quite pleased with my achievements so far.”
Fabisch was born in Nairobi on August 13, 2001.
His father succumbed to cancer in July 2008.
The firebrand coach managed the national teams of Benin, Kenya and Zimbabwe, as well as clubs in Malta, Tunisia, Nepal, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Online Reporter