Augustine Hwata Sports Reporter
TEENAGE footballer Rugare Dave Musendo is one of the latest unheralded Zimbabwean football starlets in the Diaspora who are keen to play for their fatherland instead of trying to vie for a place in the England youth squads. The midfielder, who was born to David John Musendo on October 15, 1998, plays for Arsenal juniors and is already being targeted for a call to the English junior sides.

However, Ngoni Musendo, the player’s uncle said the family wants him to turn up for Zimbabwe instead of England where he could end up making limited appearances.

“Rugare was born here in Zimbabwe and went to the United Kingdom when he was only three-years-old. His father is considering relocating to Africa but has delayed after considering that the youngster is still at school. He started off at Chelsea in 2009 to 2012 and then joined Arsenal academy,” said Ngoni.

Ngoni said Rugare’s contract is expiring in July 2015 and the player could then be breaking new ground by signing a professional contract next year.

“Actually, Rugare is keen to be considered for the Young Warriors than turning out for the junior English sides.

“He is still at school but his development in football has been awesome and he could make a difference to the junior Zimbabwe sides,” said Ngoni.

“As as family, we also feel that Rugare faces more competition to get a regular place in the English teams than in Zimbabwe.

“So I feel that his exposure and that of several other young Zimbabweans at English academies should be tapped on.

“We hope that the selectors could give such drilled players a chance to try and fight for the national teams and hopefully even our Warriors will benefit in future,” said Ngoni.

Young Warriors coach Callisto Pasuwa has already indicated that he has kept the door open for the country’s young players who are dotted around the globe.

Pasuwa who is also the de facto Warriors mentor following the decision by Zifa to disband the senior team and build from an Under-23 side has been tasked with ensuring that Zimbabwe qualify for the All-Africa Games and the African Under-23 championships.

It is at the African Under-23 Championships that the teams that will automatically qualify to represent the continent at the Olympic Games will be picked.

In confirming his interest in using all the talent at his disposal, Pasuwa last month gave a run to some of the Young Warriors’ foreign-based stars during an international friendly against Morocco.

In that game in Agadir against a full Atlas Lions side, which they narrowly lost 2-1, the Young Warriors fielded another England-based forward –Macauley Bonne who plays for Divison One side Colchester United while Leeds United’ Munyaradzi Mbanje and Northampton Town’s David Moyo also came for the same match.

Bonne who impressed on the night capped a fine outing by scoring Zimbabwe’s goal and the midfielder has expressed his willingness to continue playing for his country.

Zimbabwe could also call on Tawanda Masvanhise, son to former top Zimbabwean sprinter Julius Masvanhise, who is attending Leicester Football Academy.

Masvanhise, who is back home for the break, said his son also wants to play for Zimbabwe if given the chance.

“He is in the Under-12 team at the academy and there are a handful of other Zimbabweans at Leicester and other teams in England,” said Masvanhise.

Former CAPS United and Warriors coach Charles Mhlauri’s son Charlton and Akim Mpofu are also making waves in the United States College games where Marvelous Nakamba is also based.

Pasuwa will be hoping that as the Young Warriors regroup to start their preparations Zifa will avail the resources that he needs to a successful campaign.

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