UK: We were hoping that he wouldn’t get called up – jokes club as Ronimhota called up for AFCON

By Agencies

Reading midfielder Andy Rinomhota has been selected to represent Zimbabwe at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.

The combative midfielder rose through the ranks to make more than 100 Royals appearances and win Player of the Season during his first spell at the club, returning last month and featuring off the bench in the 3-0 win at Blackpool a fortnight ago.

Already with 13 caps for his country, Andy will head off to Morocco later this month to take part in the prestigious competition as Zimbabwe have been placed in a tough group.

Opening their run with a match against Mo Salah’s Egypt, Zimbabwe also have South Africa and Angola in the first stage of the cup.

“We were hoping that he wouldn’t get called up,” Leam Richardson joked when asked about his call-up on RoyalsTV.

“It is great for Andy and is family. Any recognition for any international football, especially at a competition like that. He has been desperate to represent his country.

“He wants to get on the pitch here and we were very aware of the lack of training he has had here. We’re trying to build him up slowly, so we don’t lose him straight away like others. He has been fantastic.

“I have worked with him before; I know him as a person and a footballer. Attitude and application is flawless so I will be really looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”

Brendan Galloway of Plymouth Arglye and Marvelous Nakamba of Luton Town are also to miss League One football with the Zimbabwe squad, and Reading play both sides over the festive period.