Zim’s all-star teen trio David Moyo, Munya Mbanje and Macauley Bonne
David Moyo, Munya Mbanje and Macauley Bonne

David Moyo, Munya Mbanje and Macauley Bonne

HIGHLY-RATED teenage football star Munya Mbanje personally chose to play for the Warriors than pursuing an international career with England, and his family is thrilled that he is now set to make his debut for Zimbabwe in Morocco this weekend.

The 18-year-old Leeds United starlet, touted as the next Joel “Jubilee” Shambo, is part of a crew of young England-based players, who have committed their international future to their fatherland, in what could be the beginning of a landmark, if not radical, makeover for the senior national football team.

Munya Mbanje’s father, Trymore, confirmed yesterday from England that his son was available to play for Zimbabwe this coming weekend and he (Munya) was “more than happy” to play for his fatherland.

“We are extremely happy that Munya has been called up to play for Zimbabwe. Munya is also eligible to represent Britain but he actually chose Zimbabwe on his own and we are all backing him on that stance,” Trymore told The Herald from his base in Huddersfield yesterday.

“It is our pride and joy to be associated with our country of birth even though we are now settled in the UK.”

Munya was born on September 1 1996 and grew up in Harare’s high-density suburb of Mufakose.

He left Zimbabwe in 2012 to join his family in England where he started working under a UK-based Zimbabwean youth soccer coach, Phillip Zulu, who is one of the people behind the young player’s move to Leeds United.

Touted as the next Joel Shambo, the attacking midfielder is a product of the Aces Youth Soccer Academy here in Harare and was in late 2012 offered a two-year scholarship at Leeds United after he impressed the club’s junior coaches while playing for their Under-16 side.

He is now set to team up with two other UK-based Zimbabwean players, Macauley Bonne of English League One side Colchester United, who was born in England to Zimbabwean parents, and Northampton striker David Moyo.

Harare-born Moyo, who turns 20 on December 17, started a two-year scholarship with Northampton Town in the summer of 2011.

In October 2012, he was awarded his first squad number by manager Aidy Boothroyd after a prolific scoring record for the youth side.

He made his professional debut on November 3 2012, in a 1–1 draw with Bradford City in the FA Cup.

In March 2013 he was offered a professional contract with Northampton Town along with Claudio Dias.

In the 2013-4 season Moyo spent some time out on loan at Northern Premier Division side Stamford

AFC, netting four goals in all competitions.

Moyo’s new teammate at the Warriors, Bonne (19), plays as a striker for Colchester United having progressed through the youth ranks at the club.

He had previously been signed to Ipswich Town and Norwich City at youth levels.

Born in England to Zimbabwean parents, Bonne is eligible to represent both England and Zimbabwe at international level.

In August this year, he made

himself available for selection by

Zimbabwe ahead of their qualification attempt for the 2016 Olympic Games.

But the Young Warriors are unlikely to get Everton defender Brendon Galloway – who was signed by the Premiership side from MK Dons at the beginning of the English season this year.

Galloway appears to have set his sights on pursuing an international career with England having been part of that country’s Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 national sides.

He remains eligible, though, at

this stage to play for Zimbabwe, if he has a change of heart. – The Herald Sport.

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