ZIM FOOTBALL PRODIGY IN A FIX IN UK

Collin Matiza

Zimpapers Sports Hub

YOUNG UK-based Zimbabwean footballer Anotida Timire is in a dilemma.

Timire is a prodigious talent in football who has caught the attention of scouts from English clubs including Manchester City, Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers and Port Vale.

Despite his immense potential, Timire, whose parents are from Zimbabwe, faces a frustrating obstacle: immigrant children of healthcare workers, like himself, are not allowed to sign with professional clubs in England.

While they can enjoy educational and healthcare opportunities, this policy re-stricts their professional aspirations.

Children with permission as dependants of parents who are legally in the UK on a work route, or who have settled in the UK on such a route, cannot be employed as a professional sportsperson unless they are a dependant of a person with UK ancestry.

As he approaches 17, Timire will have the chance to be pre-signed by elite European clubs for their Under-21 teams, with the potential for a professional contract at 18.

UK-based Zimbabwean football scout, Jomo Dyson Dzapasi, is now fighting in young Timire’s corner.

Dzapasi is urging parents of aspiring young athletes to sign a petition urging the British government to allow these kids to be employed as professionals by the British clubs.

“In my 15 years in football, I have never seen a child aged 12 to 15 with skills as remarkable as Anotida’s.

“He stands out among his peers and is undoubtedly on the same level as players from renowned academies like Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, and AC Milan.

“It’s time to reconsider policies that limit opportunities for talented children in sports.

“The British government must allow children whose parents are legally in the UK to work as sports professionals.

“A child in this situation, good at football, could be discovered by a top UK professional football club but be forbidden to sign with or play for them.

“I think it is discriminatory, harmful, and must be abolished to ensure fairness and equality for all children.

“I believe allowing a minor to sign with a professional football club is not just employment but an essential educational opportunity that fosters growth, dis-cipline, and excellence.

“Surely stopping a 9-year-old to sign for a professional club when a parent works and pay tax is unfair

“I have seen a case of a boy whose lawyers applied to get Home Office remove restrictions.

“Together, let us advocate for a more inclusive approach that allows all young talents to flourish in the sport they love. Your support in signing the petition can make a significant difference.”

At 10 000 signatures, the British government will respond to this petition and at 100 000 signatures, this petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.