Blessing Malinganiza

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And the message could not have come at a better time than when Chirewa in particular, has recovered from injury and reverted to Wolves, where he may now need to prove his worth.

Yesterday the midfielder responded, saying he is forever grateful to Zimbabwe for giving him a chance to represent the country.

His statements come at a time when the Warriors face Nigeria today, and the winner between the two will face either Jamaica or India in the final.

“Playing for Zimbabwe in the first place is a dream come true. Since I was young, I have desired to play for the (country),” Chirewa said.

“Even though I couldn’t play for Zim. I could have gone the other way and tried to go through the academy of England and the age groups, but I always knew in my heart that Zim was where I wanted to be.”

In the past the talented Chirewa has not been given much time in the Warriors’ first XI, and frustration showed.

“Zim has always given me a chance to showcase my abilities to the world. Even maybe at club level, where I haven’t got the amount of games I wanted, Zim has always given me my chance. So I am forever grateful to Zim, and I can assure you that on Tuesday, you will see something,” he said.

“I love the occasions. I love the big games, the games in which I can showcase my talents,” he said.

Coach Tembo has given a number of European-based players a chance. And the assignment also sees the return of Marshall Munetsi into the team after he had been frozen out by the previous coach. “It’s been very good to see new players, it’s been a while. It’s been good to see how we can gel together and find new patterns and rhythms so we can perform to the best of our ability on Tuesday.”

“I would like to thank everyone who rallies behind us, especially those in London. In Africa, there are not many bigger teams than Nigeria.

“I hope that we can see a lot of Zimbabweans there, and I can put up a show and try to get good results again.”

Chirewa, who was born in England to Zimbabwean parents, made his Warriors debut in June 2024 and has since earned 11 caps, scoring three goals.

Despite eligibility to represent England through youth pathways, the attacking midfielder remained steadfast in his commitment to Zimbabwe.

“I could have gone the other way, but I always knew in my heart that Zim was where I wanted to be.”

The four-nation tournament also features Jamaica and India and carries Tier 1 FIFA status, meaning matches will count toward world rankings.

“Playing for the Zimbabweans in London, near to where I grew up, is amazing,” he said.

“I hope that we can see a lot of Zimbabweans there.”