With the Africa Cup of Nations only weeks away, Zimbabwean football supporters have found a new talking point in Macauley Bonne’s renewed pledge to play for the Warriors. The England-based striker, who has often been left out of the national squad in recent years, told ZiGoats in an interview that he is ready to return and give everything for his country.
“If my country calls me again, I’ll bleed for that jersey,” he said in a video call from England. “I’ve waited too long and Zimbabwe deserves better. I’m hungrier than ever.”
Bonne’s absence has long puzzled fans. He explained that he missed the qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa because of a family issue that coach Jairos Tapera was aware of. When he later found himself without a club, an invitation to train with Manica Diamonds could not work out because his family remained in the United Kingdom. When Michael Nees became coach, Bonne hoped for a recall that never came. “I watched those matches knowing I could have helped,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s narrow defeats to Rwanda, Lesotho, Benin and South Africa still weigh heavily on him. “You don’t sleep after watching your country lose like that. Those are the moments strikers live for — half chances and rebounds that decide matches.”
The national team’s lack of goals has been a recurring problem. Tino Kadewere’s injury and the inexperience of the rookies drafted in to replace him have left the Warriors blunt in attack. Supporters believe Bonne, who plays in the English lower divisions, competes in a stronger and more organised environment than the local league and could offer a level of professionalism that the team needs.
“We can’t be experimenting at AFCON,” he said. “This is Africa’s biggest stage, not a testing ground. I don’t need ninety minutes. Give me half a game against Algeria or Qatar and I’ll show I belong.”
Bonne has scored more than 130 goals in his career, mostly in England. “I’m not the flashiest player,” he said. “I’m a natural striker. Give me the ball in the box and I’ll make the net move.”
He also spoke about the emotional side of representing Zimbabwe. “When I score, it’s for the kids in Mbare, Mutare and Bulawayo who dream with nothing but a ball and faith. That’s who I play for.” He recalled how delays in getting a Zimbabwean passport once kept him from national duty. “I felt like an outsider in my own home, but that’s behind me now. I’m ready, heart, body and soul.”
The striker’s words sparked a flood of reaction online. Many fans welcomed his commitment and urged ZIFA to recall him, saying he remains the best natural goal scorer available. Some argued that the English lower leagues are far more competitive than Zimbabwe’s domestic football and that Bonne’s experience and fitness would immediately raise the national team’s level. Others, though, felt that the focus should remain on developing young combinations for the future rather than bringing back players from past squads.
As ZIFA prepares to appoint a new head coach and the Warriors ready themselves for friendlies against Algeria and Qatar, the debate continues. For Bonne, the matter is simple. “Judge me on what I do, not on what you’ve heard. Give me the badge and I’ll give Zimbabwe goals.”
His statement, carried by ZiGoats, has reignited hope among supporters who believe that passion and finishing instinct could be what the Warriors have been missing. Whether the new coach agrees remains to be seen, but with AFCON fast approaching, the call for Bonne’s return grows louder by the day.