Exclusive: Zimbabwe Launches Talent Hunt to Sway Premier League Youth Stars from Man Utd, Liverpool and Others

With AFCON 2025 on the horizon, Zimbabwe is turning to its diaspora for reinforcements. 

Head coach Michael Nees has begun a UK scouting mission to recruit young, UK-born players of Zimbabwean descent, aiming to blend local talent with international experience for a stronger Warriors squad.

Zimbabwe’s Warriors on the Rise Under Coach Michael Nees

The Zimbabwe national football team, known as the Warriors, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence under the guidance of newly appointed head coach, Michael Nees.

The German-born tactician took over in September 2024, at a time when Zimbabwean football was reeling from a turbulent period, including a two-year suspension by FIFA.

Nees, a former professional footballer turned technical director, has wasted no time in making his mark. Within months of his appointment, he guided Zimbabwe to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to be hosted in Morocco.

Zimbabwe clinched their AFCON spot in November 2024 following a crucial 1-1 draw against Kenya at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in South Africa. The result was enough to secure second place in Group J, behind Cameroon.

A Diverse and Talented Squad

The Warriors’ success has been built on a diverse squad blending local talent and a growing pool of diaspora players, particularly from the United Kingdom. 

Key figures include Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Marshall Munetsi, former Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura, Leeds-born midfielder Andy Rinomhota, and 21-year-old Chelmsford-born winger Tawanda Chirewa, currently on loan at Huddersfield from Wolves.

“We are a growing side and it’s encouraging to see us heading in the right direction,” Nees told SportsBoom.com during a recent tour to Nigeria. 

“We have three main groups of players — a large contingent from Europe and the United States, a smaller group from South Africa, and of course, our homegrown talents in Zimbabwe. This mix is helping us evolve.”

The British-born players have begun to settle in and are already making an impact. During the March international window, the Warriors held their own against Benin and a star-studded Nigeria team. 

In the match against Nigeria in Uyo, Zemura and Rinomhota started, while Chirewa came off the bench to score the equalizer.

“Chirewa is going to be a great player for us and for his club. We’re focused on supporting his development, and we’re proud to have him in the squad,” Nees added.

Strategic Recruitment from the Diaspora

As Zimbabwe prepares for its continental campaign, Nees is spearheading efforts to further strengthen the squad by reaching out to eligible diaspora players. 

With prior coaching and advisory stints in Rwanda, South Africa, Japan, Israel, and Kosovo, Nees brings a wealth of international experience and strategic vision to the role.

Currently in the United Kingdom, Nees is engaging with potential recruits of Zimbabwean heritage, hoping to persuade them to represent the country of their roots. 

He is joined by the Zimbabwe Football Association’s Global and Diaspora Committee Chairperson, Marshall Gore, as well as England-based national team captains Marvellous Nakamba (Luton Town) and Marshall Munetsi.

Targeted Players in the UK

Among the players on Nees’ radar are Aston Villa U21’s Thierry Katsukunya, Liverpool Academy prospects Trey Nyoni and Isaac Mabaya, Norwich City’s Lucien Mahovo, Wolves’ Leon Chiwome, Chelsea’s Shumaira Mheuka, and Manchester United Academy’s Camron Mpofu.

Drawing inspiration from African powerhouses like Nigeria and Morocco — who have successfully attracted Europe-born players through opportunities to play in major international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup — Nees hopes Zimbabwe can follow suit.

Building a Competitive Future

“Nees is a modern and innovative coach. We believe in his vision to build a competitive national team,” a ZIFA official told SportsBoom.com. 

“The Warriors have immense potential, but we must enhance the squad’s depth if we’re to perform well at AFCON. That said, we are equally committed to nurturing local talent.”

Marshall Gore echoed this sentiment, emphasising the committee's long-term objectives.

“Our initiative is a continuation of what we’ve already been doing. We have a vast database of UK-based players eligible for Zimbabwe, and we’re working hard to convince them to represent their heritage,” Gore said.

“Beyond recruitment, we aim to establish partnerships with football academies that will benefit Zimbabwe’s football development for years to come.”