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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter

ZIMBABWEAN defender Jordan Zemura was named in the English Championship Team of the Week for the first time.

The 21-year-old was in brilliant form as the Cherries maintained their unbeaten start to the English Championship football in a goalless draw at Hull City.

Zemura was picked for the honours by English Football League ahead of his peers who include the experienced Jack Stacey, who made his return from injury to feature in the starting XI.

England international while Gary Cahill was named among the substitutes in his first matchday squad since joining the club.

Zemura has not missed a minute of action in the Cherries’ opening five games, ever since he was called in to fill the gap following Stacey’s injury on the eve of the Championship season.

According to Bournemouth’s website, Zemura made hay down the left flank at Hull City, clipping in some crosses and also making key interceptions.

Zemura set up teammate Emilano Marcondes for an excellent chance in the second half. His pull back was on point but the summer signing blazed over despite the great work by the Zimbabwe international.

Unfoprtuntely, the young defender will not be part of the Zimbabwe national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Ethiopia.

Bournemouth head coach Scott Parker confirmed the full-back would not be reporting for international duty with Zimbabwe – despite being named in the Warriors’ squad.

But with both Zimbabwe and Ethiopia on the UK Government’s red list for travel amid coronavirus restrictions, the Cherries full-back will not be permitted to travel for the fixtures.

Asked by the Bournemouth Daily Echo to clarify Zemura’s situation, Parker replied: “He won’t go, no. Jordan won’t go away with the internationals due to playing in a red country.

“He won’t travel with them.

“In terms of wellbeing, he would have to come back and would have to quarantine, so he won’t go away with Zimbabwe.”

Should Zemura have travelled for Zimbabwe’s fixtures, he would have had to undergo 10 days’ quarantine on his return.

The withdrawal also aligns with the EFL’s decision to follow the Premier League in announcing their clubs would not be releasing players for international commitments in red list countries.

The EFL on Thursday stated: “EFL Clubs have today taken the collective decision not to release players for international matches that are to be played in countries on the UK Government’s ‘red list’ next month.

“The EFL supports the decision of its clubs and is aligned with the position taken by our Premier League colleagues, who are also significantly impacted by this situation.

“The approach has been necessary as a result of FIFA’s policy change, whereby clubs are now required to release players to countries that are on a Governmental red list, where previously there was an exemption.”

Parker added: “First and foremost, (it’s) safety of the player and our player.

“The Government have decided that certain countries are red countries and they are red countries for a reason – because obviously they feel they are unsafe.

“Also, of course, he would have to come back and quarantine, so I think it’s best for everyone.”

Zemura has played twice at senior level for Zimbabwe, having made his debut against Algeria in November 2020.