Liverpool select prodigy of Zimbabwean origin for pre-season tour of Thailand

BY SPORTSCAST WRITER

HARARE – Liverpool have included Isaac Mabaya (pictured), a young player of Zimbabwean heritage, in their 37-man squad for a pre-season tour of Thailand.

The English Premiership giants rate the versatile 17-year-old so highly that last month he signed his first professional contract with the Reds.

Mabaya, who can play as a wing-back or in midfield, is British-born and has represented England at youth level.

Naturally, he will eye an international career with England, first priority, considering his hyped talents.

But if that doesn’t materialise, he could switch allegiance to Zimbabwe, his parents’ homeland, if he desires.

Quite a few players with Zimbabwean roots but born in the UK have represented the southern African country in recent years.

These include the London-born pair of defenders Jordan Zemura and Tendayi Darikwa.

Zemura was a key member of the Bournemouth side that was promoted into the Premiership at the end of last season, while Darikwa captained Wigan Athletic to promotion into the Championship, the second tier of England’s professional football system.