Another Zim player for the English Premier League

Mugove Chigada

THERE could be two Zimbabweans in the Premier League this season if left-back Jordan Zemura gets a chance to play at AFC Bournemouth.

Zemura, 19, rose from the bench this week in Bournemouth’s 3-0 win over Lyon in a pre-season match over the weekend.

This comes at a time when Warriors midfielder Marvelous Nakamba has also made a big breakthrough by joining another English team Aston Villa, coming from Club Brugge.

Warriors manager Wellington Mpandare confirmed on Monday that Zemura, who recently joined Bournemouth’s under 21 from Charlton, has been in touch.

“Yes, he said he is interested in playing for Zimbabwe and the process is still ongoing. It is good he has made such a breakthrough and we have been following his progress,” Mpandare said.  

“We have talked about the issue of the passport and that is what he needs to work on right now. So he will be available for selection once that has been rectified. It will be up to the coaches whether they want him in the team or not.”

Zemura, who stands at 1.73 meters, is a versatile player who can play in midfield apart from being a left-back.

“The last time we talked, he indicated he can also play in midfield. There is no doubt he is a quality player given his age.” 

The developments come at a time when there are numerous players in England with Zimbabwean connection playing for lower league teams and junior teams.

Chances are that in the next four years, there will be an avalanche of players with a Zimbabwe connection, playing for either England or the Southern African nation.