Scottish Youth International Becomes Zifa’s First ‘Catch’ In Latest Diaspora Talent Recruitment Drive
Scottish Youth international and Wolverhampton Wanderers starlet Ethan Sutherland becomes the first talent recruited by the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) through their latest initiative to persuade talented youngsters in the diaspora with Zimbabwean origin to represent the Warriors after agreeing to switch his international allegiance to Zimbabwe.
In a bid to persuade talented youngsters with Zimbabwe origins to play for the Warriors. Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi and head coach Michael Nees are in the UK where they are doing a series of engagements with talented England-born football stars.
They began their mission in London where they met with Ethan Sutherland’s family before Proceeding to Birmingham. They are also in line to meet with Trey Nyoni, Shumaira Mheuka and Arsenal’s Teshaun Murisa among other talented youngsters.
Born in Scotland to a Zimbabwean mother and a Scottish father, Sutherland has a unique cultural background that has shaped his identity both on and off the pitch.
The 18-year-old who can play as a winger or right-back began his football journey at St. Mirren in Scotland before joining Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Although yet to feature for the Wolves’ first team, he is currently gaining valuable experience with the U21s and has been on loan at Solihull Moors recently.
He made his debut for Scotland’s U19s in October 2024 during a 2–1 win against Hungary, accumulating three caps but never breaking into the senior side.
His technical ability, vision, and versatility on the field have quickly placed him among the top young prospects in English Football
Sutherland’s decision to switch his international allegiance to Zimbabwe is a significant one, reflecting the change in perspective of the country’s image abroad as more talented youngsters are now showing a desire to connect with their roots and contribute to the national team.
In the past diaspora youngsters used to shun away from representing Zimbabwe because of the past corrupt Zifa regimes who used to make it difficult for youngsters to represent their country of origin.
The Zifa initiative titled, “Roots and Dreams: A conversation with Zifa,” which is being personally bankrolled by the Zifa president aims to identify and recruit talented players from the diaspora, recognizing the wealth of skill and potential that exists among Zimbabweans living abroad.
After the United Kingdom, the duo of Nees and Magwizi is expected to travel to other parts of Europe including the Netherlands. They are also lined up to spread the initiative to countries like Australia, the United States of America, and other parts of the globe in trying to persuade talented footballers based abroad to reconnect with their Zimbabwe heritage.
By choosing to represent Zimbabwe, Sutherland not only honors his heritage but also opens the door to a new chapter in his football career and for other youngsters to follow.
Currently, Sutherland is in the process of naturalization, which will allow him to be eligible for selection for the Warriors. This step is crucial as it demonstrates his commitment to the national team and his eagerness to play a role in Zimbabwe’s footballing future. The Warriors have faced challenges in recent years, and the addition of a player with Sutherland’s talent could provide a much-needed boost to the squad.
With his naturalization process underway and his commitment to the Warriors solidified, Ethan Southerland will be looking to work hard and earn his way into the senior Warriors squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers fixture and the Africa Cup of Nations finals in December.
