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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
GERMANY-BASED midfielder, Seth Patrick, says he had already made up his mind about representing his fatherland long before he received the call to join the Zimbabwe Under-23 squad for the African Nations Cup qualifier against Mozambique.

The teenager, who plays for the VfB Lubeck’s Under-19 side alongside Shama Bako, told The Herald from his base in Germany yesterday he was excited by the prospects ahead of him in the Zimbabwe colours.

“I have got a lot of Zimbabwean friends and I have got some of my family in Zimbabwe. I have heard stories about some of my family friends playing for Zimbabwe,’’ he said.

“Everyone agrees it’s such a clear honour to play for Zimbabwe because there is so much culture and heritage there for me.

“My family here have always said play for your country, play for your African heritage. I mean, if there was a choice between England and Zimbabwe, I think I would still choose Zimbabwe.

“It’s a new type of opportunity to go to Zimbabwe and play football.

“I have always wanted to. Three years ago I played for Team Zimbabwe-UK (Under-17) in England and we won the UK AFCON tournament.

“I captained that team. So, it has always been a great pleasure for me to play for Zimbabwe, even if it was an (informal) Team Zimbabwe-UK.

“Now, I have got this call-up for the national Under-23s in the Zimbabwe-proper team. I have always dreamt of playing for Zimbabwe.’’

Patrick started his football career in England at Northampton and then moved to Germany in October last year.

But since he was signed outside the transfer window, he only got to play his first competitive game for the Germans on January 23 this year.

He has been making regular appearances for the side and scored two goals and three assists.

“I think I need to keep improving, elevate myself to the next level,’’ he said.