adminTEENAGE Zimbabwe-born winger, Panashe Madanha, has been named in the Australia team for the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan next month.
Last month, the 18-year-old Madanha, who can also play as a right back, became the first Zimbabwe-born player to feature in the Australian A-League for his club Adelaide United.
It came just six months after he was promoted into the first team.
Now he has made the list of 23 players drafted in for the tournament which will run from March 1-18.
The squad, composed of 19 locally-based players, will assemble in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from Monday.
They have been drawn in Group B alongside Iran, Qatar and Vietnam.
If they reach the semi-finals in Uzbekistan, they will qualify for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023.
Australia have never qualified for the junior showcase.
“We have selected players who are emerging talents in the A-League Men’s competition and overseas leagues that need to be exposed to international tournament conditions, and the AFC U-20 Asian Cup provides up to six games inside 18 days against varied opponents,” coach Trevor Morgan said.
“This squad of players have been inspired by the performances of the Subway Socceroos in Qatar, and those heading to Uzbekistan can’t wait to pull on the green and gold and represent not only themselves, their families and club, but the extended playing group on the international stage.
“Australia has not featured at the FIFA U-20 World Cup since 2013, and the valuable experience it provides players on their way to the Subway Olyroos and Subway Socceroos is immeasurable.”
In July last year, Adelaide United announced Madanha and Luka Jovanovic and Panashe Madanha had signed scholarship contracts with the Club until the end of the 2023/24 season.
“I’m really excited to be joining Adelaide United’s first-team on a permanent basis,” Madanha said.
“I’m grateful to be playing for the team I grew up supporting and learning from coaches and players with great experience.
“I know this is just the beginning of my football journey and I’m looking forward to working hard and giving my best for the Club.”
Head Coach, Carl Veart, added: “Luka and Panashe are some of our brightest prospects in our Youth Team and they have been duly rewarded for their top performances.
“We see a lot of potential in both Luka and Panashe and believe training daily in a professional environment will only enhance their development as footballers and people.”
Panashe Madanha’s pathway to Adelaide United:
Adelaide Olympic (Under 10s – Under 11s)
FK Beograd (Under 12s – Under 13s)
Football SA/NTC Program (Under 13s – Under 18s)
Adelaide United Youth (Reserves/Seniors) – Sports Reporter/agencies.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter