THERE is seemingly no end to the growing number of football prodigies with Zimbabwean roots emerging in England.
After the emergence of several talented players in England in recent years, some of whom have gone on to feature for the Warriors, the Zimbabwean diaspora looks to have unearthed another gem in teenager Tawanda Chirewa.
Sixteen-year-old Chirewa has been making waves in England after becoming the second youngest player in the history of English League One side Ipswich Town to feature for the club after making his professional debut at Colchester in the EFL Trophy two months ago.
The Essex-based box-to-box midfielder had to get permission from his school in Shenfield to feature in the EFL Trophy as he came on as a late substitute in the match which Ipswich lost 1-0.
Despite the defeat, it was Chirewa who was making all the headlines after the match. At 16 years and 31 days old, the highly-rated young Zimbabwean became Ipswich Town’s second youngest player ever behind Crystal Palace striker Connor Wickham, who made his debut for Ipswich at 16 years 11 days in 2009.
After his historic late cameo, Chirewa earned praises from Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert.
Lambert had revealed in the build-up to the game that he would be giving a handful of young players an opportunity in the first team, but few would have been aware of Chirewa when the Ipswich side was announced.
Asked what he liked about Chirewa, who lives in Shenfield, but qualifies to play international football for Zimbabwe, Lambert was full of admiration for the young prodigy.
“He looks younger than 16!” joked Lambert. “We had to get permission from his school to play, I think it’s a great story.
“I’ve just seen loads of things in him. It’s great for him. He looks younger than 16 when you talk to him. He’s not frightened of the ball, that’s for sure. He keeps taking the ball, along with Gibbo (Liam Gibbs), he keeps taking the ball, there’s no fear factor in their game. You need somebody to throw them in. I’m happy, I’m really, really happy with what’s happened.”
Lambert, whose side is chasing promotion to the English Championship, says he has watched the likes of Chirewa for the team’s academy side at Playford Road.
“Yes, I’ve seen them train, I’ve seen them play, the lads at night. While you’re tucked up in your bed I’m watching the kids train. The academy deserves great credit for the kids that are coming through. As I’ve said before, you never, ever know. But they’ve got ability, that’s for sure.”
Lambert has a history of playing young players at his previous clubs and he insisted it wasn’t a gamble giving them their chance that evening.
“It’s not a punt; it’s not a risk because I know they can do it. I know they can handle the ball,” he said.
