AS the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) enters its final 48 hours, Zimbabwe’s rising star Tawanda Chirewa has sent a clear message to the continent: he isn’t just there to participate, but to build a legacy.
The 22-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers forward, who arrived in Morocco on Wednesday to link up with the Warriors squad, is set to make his major tournament debut.
Despite being born in Chelmsford, England, Chirewa’s heart has always beaten for Zimbabwe, and he is now ready to translate that passion into goals on Africa's biggest stage.
Chirewa’s journey to the Warriors was never in doubt, despite his European birthplace. Growing up in a household that strictly maintained its cultural roots, the young attacker said the decision to represent the Warriors was instantaneous.
“My name is Zimbabwean, it’s not English, so that’s where I feel like I belong,” Chirewa told Wolves media before his departure.
“I grew up in quite an African household. I eat Zimbabwean food, I speak the language ... I knew straight away (I wanted to play for Zimbabwe) because that’s what my dad, my mom, and my late grandfather would have wanted.”
Chirewa fondly recalled the “Zimbabwean vibe” that defined his upbringing — even in the rainy English weather.
“It could be cold, it could be raining, but the braai’s on ... the music’s on. I’m always listening to Zimbabwean music at home, whether it’s Zimdancehall or Amapiano.”
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Chirewa’s transition into the national team has been seamless. Since debuting against Lesotho in the World Cup qualifiers, he has earned 11 caps and scored three goals, becoming a focal point of the Warriors’ attack.
However, this Afcon campaign comes with a personal blow: the absence of his mentor, club teammate, and national vice-captain Marshall Munetsi, who was ruled out due to injury.
“Marshall is just a great guy. He guides me every day, tells me to keep pushing,” Chirewa admitted.
“He’s given me little insights on how Afcon will be. I am buzzing for it. I believe that we are going to shock a lot of countries.”
With the tournament kicking off on December 21, the Warriors face a daunting task in Group B, starting with a heavyweight clash against Egypt on December 22. But for Chirewa, the pressure is a privilege.
“I want to be a great player for Zimbabwe, I want to be a legend for Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Afcon is a big step in that. I have seen me scoring, I have seen us winning and going through the group stage. It’s exciting times ahead.”
The Warriors will play their opening match against Egypt in Agadir on December 22, before moving to Marrakech for their remaining group fixtures.
They play Angola on December 26 and finish their Group matches against South Africa on December 29.
Coach Marian Marinica has been given the target to progress to the knockout stages of the competition.
