adminEddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
MATIFADZA Zata will make his first trip to Zimbabwe in 15 years today when he jets in for the Young Warriors’ camp ahead of the Under-23 African Nations Cup football qualifier against Mozambique set for next week.
The teenage midfielder, who played for Scotland at Under-16 level, is happy to get the recognition from his fatherland in the Olympic qualifiers.
“It means a lot to me as a Zimbabwean first and even more as a young footballer to put on the kit and have the opportunity to show what you’ve got on an international stage,’’ he said.
“It’s only something loads of footballers dream of and only a few experience. I didn’t expect it to happen so soon, but it was always in the back of my mind that it could be a possibility. I’m arriving in Harare on Saturday mid-day.’’
The midfielder was born in Zimbabwe in 2000 and relocated to Europe as toddler four years later. He has played most of his junior football at Scottish giants Rangers before joining Dundee last year. The club, however, has loaned him out to Tayport Juniors FC until the end of the season. Zata is effective as an attacking midfield and is also a good ball tackler.
Online Reporter