Zimbabwe's Darikwa raring to make competitive bow

Tendayi Darikwa

Wednesday Oct 10, 2018. 13:00

England-born Tendayi Darikwa can't wait to finally make his competitive debut for Zimbabwe after being given to all clear to do so.

Darikwa has represented the country of his parents on two occasions in friendly matches, but had to wait for his Zimbabwean passport to arrive and he is now eligible to play for the Warriors in back-to-back 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this month.

Zimbabwe, who currently top Group G on goal difference with four points from two matches, are away to main rivals Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa on Saturday before the return fixture in in Harare three days later.

“It is really exciting to be getting the opportunity of finally turning out for Zimbabwe,” said Darikwa.

"I will bring hard work and passion and I think especially when the fans see me in the home game, they will see my passion and they will see I'm here to represent and to try and contribute going forward.

"Finally, I'm here now and it's all about improving the team moving forward and hopefully we qualify for Afcon, then we take it from there."

The 26-year-old former Burnley and Chesterfield FC right-back has racked up 40 appearances for second-tier Nottingham Forest since his move to the club last year.