Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda recently in FRANCISTOWN, Botswana
CORBIN MTHUNZI’s first touch of Zimbabwean soil took him straight to Barbourfields, the same city his father once called home, and by the time he walked out in Warriors colours against Highlanders, the connection no longer felt distant.
Mthunzi had never set foot on African soil, let alone Zimbabwe, before his recent call-up for Warriors duty.
He had always heard stories about Zimbabwe and the city of Bulawayo, where his father Dingulawazi was born and raised.
He was naturally curious to find out more about his fatherland when Zimbabwe national team coach Marian Marinica handed him his first call-up ahead of the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament, which was played in Francistown from March 28 to 31.
Coincidentally, the Warriors played a warm-up match against Highlanders in Bulawayo, a place that carries a lot of sentimental value for the Ipswich Under-21 defender.
Mthunzi started at centre-back in front of a packed Barbourfields Stadium as the Warriors played out a goalless draw against Bosso.
His first impression?
“I loved it, I was very surprised with how supportive the fans were. I didn’t know Zimbabweans loved their football that much,” the 18-year-old defender told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“I heard so much about Zimbabwe from my dad and other family members, so in a way I wasn’t too surprised with how it was. But I absolutely loved everything about it.”
Mthunzi was part of the Warriors squad that clinched the inaugural Mukuru Four Nations Cup at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on Tuesday night.
Zimbabwe edged northern neighbours Zambia 1-0 after speedy winger Junior Zindoga forced an own goal from a Chipolopolo defender.
The Warriors had beaten Botswana 3-0 in the semi-final.
The 18-year-old Mthunzi played the last 10 minutes in the final against Zambia and showed a lot of promise.
The game was still goalless when he came on.
“It’s one of a kind to play for Zimbabwe, such a good experience for the boys, lovely team, great coach and yeah, it was amazing,” he said.
“It’s been so good to make my debut and lift that cup. It’s an exciting experience, especially at my age.
“Zimbabwe fans are absolutely crazy and I love it, so yeah, it’s been amazing.”
Mthunzi was born and raised in England.
His father Dingulawazi was raised in Bulawayo before relocating to the United Kingdom, where he married an English woman, Kylie Kendall Alexander.
Corbin was born out of that union.
He currently stays in Ipswich while his family lives in Brighton.
“I’m very excited to go back and tell the guys about my experience. They’ve helped me so much,” said Mthunzi, referring to his teammates at Ipswich Under-21.
While he is targeting a rise through the ranks at Ipswich, Mthunzi also wants to achieve more with the Zimbabwe national team.
“I just want to win as much as I can with the Warriors and do as much as I can for the country.
“The players and the coach are all great. Hopefully, we can win more tournaments in the future.
“This is an exciting time for Zimbabwean football. I can only see it going up and becoming something great,” said Mthunzi.
Although he had limited game time during the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament, Mthunzi remains hopeful his time will come.
“A bit annoying, definitely, if you don’t play, but I also understand that I’m young. It was my first time playing for the Warriors and there are a lot of older players ahead of me with more experience,” he said.
“I have trust in the coach and I think the coach also has trust in me, to bring me on at 0-0 in the final. It wasn’t the longest camp, so there is still so much for me to prove and show, not only to the coach, but to Zimbabwe and everyone there, which I know I will do.”
He also spoke about his career at Ipswich Under-21.
“It’s been great, obviously my first season. I’ve got great coaches and great teammates who have really helped me get this opportunity, and I can’t thank them enough,” he said.
What made his trip to Africa more intriguing was the fact he played in Bulawayo, the place where his father was raised.
“My dad and grandad are from Bulawayo, but my granny is from Harare. So, Zimbabwe is my home,” he said.
