HARARE – After the lack of a Zimbabwean passport prevented him from making his debut for the country of his father’s birth for over a year, Charlton Athletic forward Macauley Bonne finally got the document last week.
Then on Monday, a bombshell!
England-born Bonne, who was due to make his Zimbabwe bow in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Botswana on Friday, announced he was pulling out owing to a cardiac MRI scheduled to be conducted at the St. George’s University in London.
Not many are convinced, however, and see Bonne as caught up between being capped by Zimbabwe or holding out for an England call-up.
In a statement, Bonne said: “I am both delighted and privileged to be selected to join the Zimbabwe national team and I appreciate all those involved in securing my passport” Bonne said in a statement.
“I have been working extremely hard at club level and to receive this, is something I (dreamt) of as a boy. Unfortunately, and reluctantly, I am unable to travel due to unforeseen medical grounds, which is a huge frustration to me, as it will be to the people of Zimbabwe.
“The messages of support, via social media, are much appreciated and although I cannot reply to every message, I do take every one to heart. I’d like to wish the entire Zimbabwe team the very best of luck in the coming game(s). In the meantime, I will maintain a line of communication to Welly Mpandare and the ZIFA representatives.”
The 24-year-old plays for English second tier Charlton Athletic, and has scored five goals in 10 appearances this season.
Lawrence Moyo, the editor of the tabloid H-Metro newspaper said: “He played for his club at the weekend, but now can’t play for Zimbabwe because of some appointment. Some will find that curious.
“If we were to give him the benefit of the doubt, what stops him from travelling to Zimbabwe soon after the tests are done because it’s not just Botswana we are playing, but Zambia next week. I recall many years ago when Peter Ndlovu would land in Zimbabwe on the eve of a match and play the next day.”
Premier Soccer Leaguer secretary general Kennedy Ndebele suggested that Zimbabwe should stop prioritising foreign-born players over locals, as if the country was desperate.
“While I have no problems with the inclusion of the British brigade in the Warriors squad, I still believe in our home-grown talent. Our locally trained boys must be given a chance,” Ndebele tweeted.
