Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MANICA Diamonds youngster Darrel Zulu says he wants to make a name for himself and his family after earning a place in the Young Warriors team ahead of Zimbabwe’s upcoming Under-23 Afcon qualifier against Mauritius.
The Young Warriors are stepping up preparations in camp as coach Marc Sanchez works on combinations ahead of the two-legged assignment, which forms part of Zimbabwe’s pathway towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Zulu is among the locally-based players hoping to seize the opportunity and believes sharing camp with foreign-based prospects will accelerate his development.
For the Manica Diamonds player, however, the call-up carries greater significance beyond football.
“Being called up to the national team is a great achievement for me, my family and also my team, Manica Diamonds,” said Zulu.
“It is a great achievement and I would like to learn new things.“My personal goal during this camp is to learn from the other guys who have come from abroad, as well as my fellow locally-based players.
“I am also willing to learn from the coaches and understand the different styles of play that the other guys bring.”
The squad brings together locally and foreign-based youngsters, leaving Sanchez with the task of quickly forging a cohesive unit before the Mauritius assignment.
Zulu said he has settled well into camp and is determined to make the most of every training session as competition for places intensifies.
“So far during this camp, I haven’t faced any challenges that could pull me down,” he said.
“What motivates me when I put on the national team jersey is where I come from. From my home area, there hasn’t been anyone who has been called up to the national team.
“Even in my family, there hasn’t been anyone who has received a national team call-up, so I want to make a name for myself, my family and the place where I come from.
“I want to make sure that one day my name will be remembered in Zimbabwean football history.
”Zimbabwe are set to host Mauritius on 30 September before travelling away the following week.
