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After previously refusing, Liverpool defender accepts Zimbabwe call-up
Liverpool right-back Isaac Mabaya has been called up to the Zimbabwe squad for the upcoming internationals after previously rejecting offers to switch allegiance.
Mabaya qualifies for Zimbabwe through his parents and has been a target for the African nation for a number of years.
The 21-year-old had rejected an approach to change his allegiance back in 2022, when he was still 17, with his father saying at the time: “It’s too complicated.”
But with an issue with Mabaya’s passport resolved and his opportunities with England drying up, the Preston-born youngster has accepted a call-up for September.
He is part of a 24-man squad to play Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone (Sep 24) and DR Congo (Sep 28) later this month.
Mabaya is not the only England-based player to be included, with Ipswich’s Corbin Mthunzi, Reading’s Andy Rinomhota, Sheffield Wednesday’s Sean Fusire and Wolves pair Tawanda Chirewa and Marshall Munetsi already regulars.
The right-back is, however, one of only two uncapped options for head coach Ramon Catala alongside Scottland FC’s Abubakar Moffat.
Having previously represented England up to U19s level, the decision to play for Zimbabwe comes in a pivotal season for Mabaya.
Ahead of his 22nd birthday later this month, the attacking full-back has been registered in Liverpool’s first-team squad for the Premier League and Champions League as he qualifies as homegrown and club-trained.
He has been with the academy since he was six and is believed to be into the final year of his current contract.
Though not considered part of the regular rotation at senior level – for starters, having played for the U21s on Monday night rather than joining the first team for their Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham – the exposure is clearly positive.
After rupturing his Achilles in his first start on loan at Wigan last season, he has now returned to full fitness and can look to establish himself in the coming months.
Mabaya’s experience with Zimbabwe should aid that further, not only on the pitch but also off it as he travels, trains and plays for a senior national team.