Know your Warriors

Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sunday Life Reporter
WE continue profiling players in the Warriors team. There are a handful of footballers of Zimbabwean origin who play overseas but not much is known about them. They have made names for themselves but, when they get an international call for the Warriors, debate ensues over their elegibility.

Fact is, they are Zimbabwean and have an equal chance to be selected. This week we get to know a bit of Tivonge Rushesha, a newbie in the Warriors squad who was enlisted by coach Baltemar Brito in the team that played the first round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Rwanda.

Rushesha, who plays as a midfielder is also good at defence. He was born in Zimbabwe in 2002. His family migrated to the United Kingdom the following year and that is where he grew up. Like many other Warriors players overseas, Rushesha never lost hope with his roots, that is why he chose to play for the country. Such patriotism must be applauded.

He plays for Reading Football Club, a well-known team in England that plays in the English Football League One, commonly known as League One. The player was part of the Swansea City Academy in the Under-12 team.

His professional debut at the club was in 2019, at the age of 17, where he featured in a match against Cambridge United whom they beat 6-0. He was to leave the club in June this year to join Reading on a one-year contract. A proof that Rushesha is good with the ball was when he earned the Under-23 Player of the Season Award for the 2020-21 season.

His call up to the Warriors this year was widely admired and praised by his club, Reading. The club said the player’s calling to the national team was largely due to his impressive performances.

Speaking of his debut, Rushesha said: “It was my first time in the Zimbabwe national team, a country where my family is from. I was born in Zimbabwe. It was a very proud moment. It took a lot to get here. I am very grateful for the players and all the staff. They made me feel very comfortable in my first day. It was an experience I am going to savour and cherish. I am going to do my best to help the team win and that we make it to the World Cup. I am grateful for the support,” he said. — (Additional reporting online)