Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi will travel to the United Kingdom on Sunday to kick-start a series of engagements with England-based Zimbabwean footballers.
The visit is part of the association’s broader commitment to building bridges with the diaspora, the majority of whom reside in the UK.
Warriors head coach Michael Nees will also be part of the programme and has already travelled ahead of Magwizi.
The German expatriate, who recently convinced both Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona to come out of international retirement, is expected to continue his persuasive mission – this time targeting UK-born Zimbabwean players with potential to represent their fatherland.
Magwizi is personally funding the duo’s European tour.
Back in February, the ZIFA boss pledged to use his own resources for both local and international trips – covering visits to provinces within Zimbabwe as well as outreach tours to countries like Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa – in a bid to establish synergies with other football associations. There are hundreds of young footballers of Zimbabwean origin in England, which is also home to several former players, some of whom have now ventured into coaching.
However, many of the youngsters have remained reluctant to commit to the Warriors, disillusioned by how previous ZIFA administrations handled their cases.
Some of the players currently being targeted include Liverpool duo Trey Nyoni and Isaac Mabaya.
Chelsea starlet Shumaira Mheuka, 17, is also tipped to become Zimbabwe’s next big thing – should he opt for the Warriors instead of pursuing a place in England’s Three Lions setup.
Titled “Roots and Dreams: A Conversation with ZIFA,” the initiative aims to reconnect Zimbabwean footballers with their heritage.
It is mainly focused on identifying young and talented players scattered across the globe.
“It’s a platform designed to connect with Zimbabwean youth footballers based in the United Kingdom.
“This unique series of engagements offers aspiring young players a chance to meet and interact with ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi and Zimbabwe Warriors head coach Michael Nees,” ZIFA said in a statement.
“It is an opportunity to learn more about the pathways to national team representation, share experiences, and strengthen the bond between Zimbabwean football and its passionate diaspora.”
The programme is targeting footballers born in 2011 or earlier.
“Through Roots and Dreams, we aim to identify, support, and inspire the next generation of Warriors – united by heritage and driven by purpose,” read the statement released yesterday.
“Together, let’s connect the passion of the diaspora with the heart of Zimbabwean football,” ZIFA added.
Magwizi and Nees will launch the campaign in London on Wednesday before moving to Birmingham on Thursday.
Having conducted background research before the tour, both men agreed on the importance of engaging parents and guardians of players – to hear their concerns, share ZIFA’s vision, and build trust.
A similar outreach programme is expected to be extended to Zimbabweans based in South Africa, the United States, Australia, and other parts of Europe.
Magwizi has consistently emphasized the need to harness every available talent – both locally and abroad – with the ZIFA president reiterating that every player should be given a fair opportunity to represent Zimbabwe, with selection made “purely on merit”.
He also revealed that ZIFA will soon roll out nationwide development programmes to scout and nurture talent across all 10 provinces, particularly in rural areas.
ZIFA hopes that the players identified through Roots and Dreams can go on to represent Zimbabwe in the Under-17, Under-20, and Under-23 age groups as they progress toward the senior national team, the Warriors.
