Sports Correspondent
English Championship side Norwich City have confirmed that three of their academy players are available for Zimbabwe’s Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against Mali.
The Canaries confirmed that Miles Bracking, Jayden Munikwa and Takudzwa Gwanzura have been called up to the Young Warriors squad for the two-legged second-round encounter.
Norwich City Academy announced the development through its official Instagram account, congratulating the trio on their national team call-ups.
“Miles, Jayden and Takudzwa have been called up for Zimbabwe’s Under-23 AFCON qualifiers against Mali. Congratulations lads!” the club posted.
The confirmation is a boost for Young Warriors coach Marc Sánchez, who has included all three players in his final 23-man squad for the crucial qualifiers.
Bracking is expected to provide options in midfield, while Munikwa and Gwanzura strengthen the defensive department as Zimbabwe prepare for a difficult assignment against the West Africans.
The Young Warriors will host Mali in the first leg at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on November 11 before travelling to Bamako for the return encounter on November 17.
Sánchez has assembled a squad featuring a blend of locally based talent and Zimbabwean players attached to clubs in England, Australia, Finland and South Africa.
Zimbabwe booked their place in the second round after an impressive 6-1 aggregate victory over Mauritius.
The Mali encounter represents another important test for the Young Warriors as they seek to move closer to qualification for the 2027 U23 AFCON finals in Egypt.
The tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualification pathway for the men’s football competition at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
