mbulelo smpofu
Innocent Kurira , Zimpapers Sports Hub
WOLVERHAMPTON Wanderers winger Ethan Sutherland has officially pledged his international future to Zimbabwe following an engagement with Zifa Global and Diaspora chair Marshall Gore. But who is Sutherland?
Sutherland began his youth career at St Mirren in Scotland before moving to Premier League side Wolves.
While yet to debut for the first team, he is presently on loan at National League club Solihull Moors, earning game time.
He made his Scotland Under-19 debut in October 2024 in a 2–1 victory over Hungary, earning three caps.
Known for his pace and adaptability, he plays as a winger or right back at times.
If cleared by Fifa, Sutherland will join a growing list of UK-born Zimbabwe internationals, including Jordan Zemura, Tawanda Chirewa, Andy Rinomhota, and Marley Tavaziva.
“We are delighted to share that Wolves winger Ethan Sutherland has officially committed to playing for Zimbabwe. He began his Zimbabwean passport application process at the Zimbabwe Embassy in the UK this week,” announced Gore.
Sutherland’s decision aligns with the new Zifa executive’s efforts to recruit foreign-born talent playing professionally abroad.
As part of this initiative, Warriors coach Michael Nees and Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi have this week been meeting UK-based Zimbabwean youth footballers.
The tour, dubbed “Roots & Dreams: A Conversation with Zifa” is sponsored by Diaspora Insurance and other partners.
There will be in London on 23 April and Birmingham on 24 April.
“We are delighted to share that Wolves winger Ethan Sutherland has officially committed to playing for Zimbabwe. He has begun his Zimbabwean passport application process at the Zimbabwe Embassy in the UK this week.
“We are truly grateful for this important step forward. During their visit, Ethan and his mother also paid a courtesy call to His Excellency Ambassador Katsande. A heartfelt thank you to Ambassador Katsande and the Embassy staff for warmly welcoming Ethan and making this moment special,” said Gore.
Zifa’s new programme, “Roots & Dreams: A Conversation with Zifa,” aims to inspire young Zimbabwean footballers in the diaspora to consider playing for the Warriors.
The
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter