Blues midfielder Kundai Benyu was not included in Zimbabwe’s 25-man provisional squad for their Africa Cup of Nations Cup match with Liberia on Sunday 11th June which was announced this morning, despite Town and Warriors manager Wellington Mupandare both previously confirming that the uncapped 19-year-old would be involved.
However, the Zimbabwe FA says the squad could still change with other players from England added, presumably including Camden-born Benyu, who we understand is very keen to represent the country of his parents’ birth.
Speaking to Zimbabwe-based newspaper The Standard last week, Mupandare said: "Yes, I can confirm that Kundai Benyu has been called up to the national team.
"I had a meeting with his father in Harare last Friday and he would love to see him playing for Zimbabwe. He has since communicated with him.
"Benyu’s situation is slightly different from the other players based in England in that even though he was born there, his father relocated to Zimbabwe some time ago, which makes it easier for us to process his documents in the event that he wants to play for Zimbabwe.”
As reported on Friday, contract discussions between Benyu and the Blues are ongoing and an agreement on a new deal is expected to be confirmed over the summer with a report that the former Aldershot loanee has turned down his new deal wide of the mark.
Claims that Tottenham, West Ham, Aston Villa and Celtic are keen to sign him appear unlikely and purely speculative.