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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
AFTER writing his piece of history by becoming Liverpool’s youngest player to appear in the FA Cup on his senior team debut, teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni excited many Zimbabweans and ignited a social media debate centering on whether he would be able to play for Zimbabwe or not.
Nyoni was thrown into the fray by Jurgen Klopp as a late substitute as the Reds thumped Southampton 3-0 in an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Anfield on Wednesday night.
At 16 years and 243 days, he set a new milestone, alongside several Liverpool Academy players including teenage goalscorers Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas (18).
He also became Liverpool’s third youngest-ever player in any competition after Jerome Sinclair (16 years and six days) and Elliot (16 years and 174 days).
The performance of the youngsters on Wednesday impressed Klopp, who also revealed his satisfaction with the maturity shown by Nyoni despite his frame, after replacing Harvey Elliot in the 78th minute, when Liverpool was 2-0 up.
“The way Liverpool wants to play is clear as well,” Klopp told the club’s media.
“They are all talented, otherwise they would not play for Liverpool. But in the youth department, it’s a little bit like you can be much better than the opponent — that doesn’t happen that often in adult football, to be honest, and you have to be ready for that.
“And I saw that today that the boys make really big steps. With Trey, you can see there’s absolutely nobody, I don’t know what his weight is, to be honest, but when he is on the ball, he is very mature — that’s all cool,” the Reds boss added. Nyoni, who was born in England to Zimbabwean parents, played for the England Under-17 side last year. However, he has options to choose whether to play for England if the opportunity arises or stick with the Zimbabwe Warriors.
He will not be the first player to do so as Zimbabwe has in the recent past welcomed players like Tendayi Darikwa, Brendan Galloway, Alec Mudimu, and Jordan Zemura who grew up abroad.
Former Zimbabwe international Alois Bunjira said Nyoni and other upcoming talents born in the diaspora should not be pressured into the debate about his future choices.
“Of course, they didn’t grow up here,” Bunjira said on Facebook.
“They have no connection with Zimbabwe. We have to persuade and convince them. Someone should sit with them and their parents if there is a need. Patriotism will be developed later. We plant it into them and grow it.
“As Zimbabweans, we should support Trey Nyoni, just like we support all the other Zimbabwean boys in Europe.
“We are one big Zimbabwean village, whose other villagers have travelled overseas to work. Choosing to play for England or Zimbabwe, should never change the fact that the boy is a
Zimbabwean who holds a British passport. He will make his choice on which country he should play for.
“Otherwise, congratulations to the young man for making his debut, and making us all proud. We hope to see many more coming through,” said Bunjira. Nyoni is one of the several upcoming players including Liverpool Academy teammate Isaac Mabaya, Tawanda Masvanhise of Leicester City, Leon Chiwome of Wolves, and Michael Ndiweni of Newcastle.
Nyoni has played for England at junior level and this could be a motivating in his hopes for a gig with the senior Three Lions.
“Yes, he may be an England Under-17 international. To me, it makes a lot of sense to play for England at that level. After all, in Zimbabwe, we don’t have a team at that level.
“He is gaining much valuable experience. He does hold an English passport. But again, that won’t stop him from playing for Zimbabwe in the future.
“Many African players around the world have played for European countries at the Junior level and later opted for their motherland at senior level, the current Ivory Coast goalkeeper, played for France at Under 17 and Under 20 levels.
“Wilfred Zaha played for England at Junior level but is now turning out for Ivory Coast. Cedric Boukambu played for France at Junior level. He is now playing for DRC.
“The list is endless. Playing for England at the Junior level is not a problem. What we can be worried about is if Nyoni chooses to play for England rather. That all depends on the player and his parents.
“They have the choice. They are allowed to choose where they want Trey to play. No grudges should be directed to them for their choice,” said Bunjira.
Junior football development specialist Lloyd Chigowe believes Zimbabwe should have a deliberate talent harvesting and monitoring system both at home and abroad.
“Trey looks promising, looking at his age and the profile of the team he is playing for. The authorities should look for ways to include these boys in our junior national teams from a young age. We should put our house in order first and try to bring these boys home for the national under-15s, under-18s, and under-20s so that they also get to appreciate home,” said Chigowe.
Nyoni has, however, not decided on which national team he will play for between England, where he was born, and Zimbabwe, where his father was born and raised.
He was previously with the Leicester City youth setup and has appeared internationally at the under-16 level for England.
His father Mjumbeki Nyoni, a former teacher, played for the Gwanda Ramblers before relocating to the United Kingdom in 2000.
Online Reporter