Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE ongoing transformation of Zimbabwean football has impacted hundreds of prospective stars dotted across the globe, including Tashinga Jonas Zvemhara, an 18-year-old attacking midfielder who is based in Canada.
Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League has witnessed a positive revolution, thanks to the emergence of moneyed and professionally run clubs like defending champions Scottland, MWOS, Hardrock and Simba Bhora.
The Warriors’ recent performances, which include winning the inaugural Mukuru 4Nations Cup in Botswana last month, is exciting Zimbabwean players born in the diaspora.
Zimbabwe will play in another Four Nations tournament, dubbed the Unity Cup, in the United Kingdom in May.
They will play Nigeria in one of the semi final matches, while Jamaica will face India in the other contest.
This will be the first time for Zimbabwe to play in the United Kingdom.
Coincidentally, there is also positive football vibe in Canada, one of the host nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I think Zimbabwean football is primed to expand and be more competitive especially looking at how new teams are challenging the traditional teams for honours.
“You also have established personalities like Benjani Mwaruwari and Peter Ndlovu now in the local league which helps the development of soccer as they have played in what is arguably the best league in the world, that is the English Premier League,” Zvemhara told Zimpapers Sports Hub from his base in Canada.
Zvemhara plays for Simcoe County Rovers FC, a club that competes in the Ontario Premier League, Canada’s second tier competition.
“I also watched the recent Africa Cup of Nations finals and was really impressed with the growth of Tawanda Maswanhise, who I think is going to be a top player for Zimbabwe,” added Zvemhara.
Maswanhise scored a brilliant against South Africa in a group game and is the leading goal scorer in the Scottish Premier League, with 17 goals for Motherwell.
“I have a decent amount of knowledge about Zimbabwean football and the teams.
“My father and grandfather are always keeping me up to date.
“My father is an ardent Dynamos fan and my grandfather is a Caps United fan.
“I have also had the privilege of being mentored by former Highlanders and Dynamos star player Lovemore ‘MaGents’ Ncube who has been part of my soccer journey since I was a child,” reveals Zvemhara.
He was born in Harare and left Zimbabwe for Canada when he was only seven, after his family relocated to North America.
Zvemhara is currently studying Sports Psychology at Laurentian University on a soccer scholarship.
His ultimate aim is to play in more established leagues in Europe and also represent his country of birth.
“Football might be less popular here in Canada, compared to other sports like hockey but the upcoming World Cup is giving the country something different to look forward to.
“Hopefully this will lead to an expansion of interest from fans and investment by sponsors,” said Zvemhara.
“Making the Zimbabwe national team roster for my age group has always been a goal for me,” he added.
At 18, Zvemhara qualifies to play for Zimbabwe’s national Under-20 side.
