WARRIORS forward Tawanda Chirewa has revealed why he chose to play for Zimbabwe rather than wait in hope for an England call-up.
In an interview with Humble Boots, Chirewa said he never imagined himself playing for England and chose his country of origin because of the sense of pride he feels when he pulls on the Warriors’ strip.
The 21-year old forward claimed headlines after he broke Nigerian hearts with a late, but brilliant equaliser in a World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles and the Warriors last month.
He made a return after missing a few matches due to injury.
Chirewa said he aims to do better for Zimbabwe and inspire them to success.
“My aim is to be the player that can be relied on. I played a few matches and started in three or so,” he said.
“Then I had some injuries and against Nigeria, it was my first cap since I came back from injury.
“I came off the bench and scored, but I trust my coach (Michael Nees) over the plans he has for me.”
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Nees came under fire for introducing Chirewa and Tawanda Maswanhise late, but the Huddersfield loanie trusts the process.
“We have a good team of players playing in good leagues,” he said.
“Our manager is from a European background and he knows how to manage players and coming up with the right tactics.
“We came together as a group that wants to do something special for our country and that’s amazing.
“We obviously have a few areas that we need to work on like, just any other country and we will keep that in house, but we want to come back stronger and try to compete for a place at the 2030 World Cup.”
Chirewa revealed that he made up his mind about playing for Zimbabwe at the age of 16.
“At about 16, that’s when I decided to play for Zimbabwe. When I went to Wolves, I knew that at my age and being on the bench for Wolves, England would start thinking whether they wanted me in the Under 19 or Under 21,” the Warriors forward said.
“But for me, I always wanted to play for Zimbabwe. My mum and my dad are from Zimbabwe. My whole family is from Zimbabwe.
“I am from Zimbabwe and I feel more proud playing for my country. When I score for Zimbabwe, I feel more proud and appreciated. When my career is over, they will remember me. With England, that’s more difficult.”
Chirewa was sent on loan to Derby in the Championship, but he struggled for game time due to injuries.
Now, he is enjoying his game at League One side Huddersfield trying to show his worth.
“When I went to Wolves, that was obviously where I wanted to be, to play in the Premier League, but probably not as fast as it came about,” he said.
“Then Derby was the biggest setback of my career (due to injuries). It was difficult to take, but we passed that one and now we are here (at Huddersfield).”
He is now aiming to bounce back at Wolves and play in the Premier League.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) stage will also be important for his endeavours.
“With Zimbabwe, the aim was to get Zimbabwe to the Afcon finals and then hopefully play at the highest level in the Premier League. Hopefully it can happen next season.”
Chirewa joined Wolves in 2023 from Ipswich.
He started one Premier League match for Wolves.
