NEW: It’s 10 out 10 for Zemura

Langton Nyakwenda

IT has been a whirlwind three months for Zimbabwe national team defender Jordan Zemura, who made his 10^th straight start for English Championship side AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday night.

The team, however, was held to a goalless draw at newly promoted Peterborough.

The 21-year-old defender has also been included in Zimbabwe’s 24-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Ghana at the Cape Gold Stadium on October 9.

Zimbabwe will then host the Black Stars at the National Sports Stadium in Harare three days later.

Zemura will no doubt be one of the players whose form Warriors interim coach Norman Mapeza will be banking on.

The Cherries are joint top of the Championship table with West Bromwich Albion on 22 points.

Zemura is undoubtedly the most impressive Zimbabwean playing in Europe this season and has often received rave reviews from club coach Scott Parker.

The defender, who was born in England to Zimbabwean parents, promised to keep his feet on the ground when he was interviewed by AFC Bournemouth TV just before the 0-0 draw at Peterborough.

“I have worked very hard; I have had no regrets. It’s a little milestone (10-straight games), I am still young and looking forward,” Zemura said.

Apart from consolidating his place at left-back, he has also chipped in with two goals for the team that is looking to bounce back into the Premier League.

The Warriors and their fans will be hoping the defender takes his club form to country when Zimbabwe face Ghana.

While he is set to feature in the game in Ghana, his availability for the return leg in Harare on October 12 is still uncertain as Zimbabwe is on the UK’s Covid-19 red list, which means other players like Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa), Brendon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle) and Tendayi Darikwa (Wigan Athletic) are also doubtful for the match in Harare.

ZIFA have, however, indicated that they are engaging the players’ respective clubs with the hope of getting the greenlight to use them in Harare.