English Championship side Derby County have signed Zimbabwean international Tawanda Chirewa on a season-long loan from Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, who can also play as a winger, made his debut for Wolves in January during an FA Cup tie against Brentford. Chirewa was also involved in Wolves’ pre-season tour of the USA last month.
In April, the young Zimbabwean made his first Premier League start for Wolves in a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal.
Wolves’ head of professional football development, Matt Jackson, believes the pressure of playing regularly for a big club like Derby in the Championship will benefit Chirewa’s development as a player. <a href="https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/mens-first-team/20240826-chirewa-signs-new-deal-and-completes-loan-move/">Said Jackson</a>:
<blockquote>
Tawanda’s made great progress since he joined us from Ipswich, being a part of that first team group. He’s grown up quickly and matured to have the quality to cope there, and now we’ll see if he can affect league football.
We had a few inquiries for him, but we were looking for specific things. We certainly like the pressure of the Championship. We like the pressure of a big club, which you get at Derby.
We really like the manager as well, he had ‘Gilo’ [Ryan Giles] before at Rotherham and we liked the way he looked after a young player there.
So, it fits for Tawanda to go back under that tutelage, and we just think it’s a place he can go and express himself and get a lot of game time.
It’s tough to play for our first team here, but it’s tough to play for Derby’s first team as well. He’s going to have to really have his wits about him, both in terms of playing style, but also integrating into the squad and being in an environment that’s difficult, with the expectation of a big crowd which really knows its football.
</blockquote>
Chirewa made his international debut for Zimbabwe in June, when he was called up by head coach Jairos Tapera to feature in a World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho. Added Jackson:
<blockquote>
We expected him to do well because we knew his ability. Great credit to our recruitment team to see that potential. But ultimately, he has to take responsibility for that, and he has done it.
He’s maturing as a person as well as a player, and he’ll relish the opportunity to go out to a big club in Derby to showcase his skills.
Games are so important. We like the exposure they get in the first-team because they see how good they have to be day in, and day out.
It’s different if you just get occasional chances to show the first-team coach what you can do, but he was doing that on a daily basis.
You learn the physical strength that’s required and the discipline you need to bring every single day to training. Hopefully he can now impact the Championship, doing that for Derby.
He’s looking forward to the opportunity. He wanted to get out as quickly as possible. It’s great for him that contract negotiations were very sensible moving forward and great for all parties.
For him, he understands at this stage of his career, playing is all important, and that’s the opportunity he’s now going to take.
</blockquote>
Signed from Ipswich Town last summer, Chirewa has made 10 senior appearances for Gary O’Neil’s first-team group, eight of which have come in the Premier League.
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Zimbabwean soccer player Tawanda Chirewa signed a new contract with Wolves and will play on loan for Derby County. He is 20 years old and plays as a midfielder or winger. The head of Wolves believes playing for Derby will help Chirewa develop as a player. Chirewa also made his international debut for Zimbabwe. He has played in 10 senior games for Wolves. Chirewa is excited for the opportunity to play for Derby and hopes to improve his skills.

Tawanda Chirewa Signs New Deal At Wolves And Joins Derby On Loan

Warriors coach Jairosi Tapera has praised Warriors’ new boy Tawanda Chirewa for his outstanding performances in the Group C CAF 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers attacking midfielder got Zimbabwe’s consolation goal against Bafana Bafana in the 3-1 loss.
Chirewa also impressed South African fans who took to social media to express plaudits for the England-born Zimbabwean international.
For the goal, Chirewa took a quick throw-in to captain Marshall Munetsi before he was fed back, eliminated two defenders and surprised Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Rowen Williams by toe-poking the ball at his near post.
This was only his second game for Zimbabwe, having played 68 minutes in the match against Lesotho at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday.
Tapera said Chirewa followed the technical team’s instructions and proved that he was a star in the making. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200028184/warriors-new-gem-chirewa-steals-the-show">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
Chirewa was excellent. We had instructed him to play in-between the defensive midfield and the defence of South Africa and he did so well.
(It’s) his second international game and he gets a goal. That was excellent. He is a clever young man and I think going forward, we have a gem in him.
We have a few young players coming in trying to gel with the senior players. I think it is just a matter of time.
We are going to come right. Individually, we had a lot of positives which I think we can build on going forward.
</blockquote>
Speaking to NewsDay, Chirewa expressed disappointment with the two results but said he was happy to represent Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
I think we will improve as a team. Obviously, we made a lot of individual errors and we did not take some of our chances, but we have good players and we will come right.
I cannot be too happy because we lost. But I am proud to play for Zimbabwe. I have played two games and scored a goal, so I am happy about that part.
</blockquote>
Chirewa was born in Essex, England, to Zimbabwean parents. He made his debut at Ipswich Town on November 12, 2019, appearing as a second-half substitute in a 0–1 away loss to Colchester United in an EFL Trophy group stage match.
At the time, he was the second youngest player to make his first-team debut for the club, after Connor Wickham, at 16 years and 31 days old.
He then signed his first professional contract with the club in November 2020, signing a deal until 2022, with the option of an additional year’s extension.
In September 2023, Chirewa joined Wolves’ Under-21 side and quickly impressed first-team coach Gary O’neal.
O’neal gave the youngster his senior team breakthrough as a second-half substitute in the FA Cup away to Brentford in January this year.
In the same month, Chirewa made his English Premier League debut, as a second-half substitute in a 0–0 draw away to Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.
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We Have A Gem In Tawanda Chirewa, Says Warriors Coach

England-born Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tawanda Chirewa is now eligible for Zimbabwe after he obtained a Zimbabwean passport on Wednesday, 05 June.
This means that the rising star in the 23-man Warriors squad camped in South Africa is available for selection for Zimbabwe’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa.
Chirewa’s passport was processed at the Harare passport offices. It was expected to be delivered to Johannesburg, in time for the Warriors’ match against Lesotho at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
Zimbabwe will then play South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
There were fears that 20-year-old Chirewa, capable of playing as a winger or in the number 10 position, might miss out on representing the Warriors due to lacking a Zimbabwean passport.
However, ZIFA, with assistance from the Registrar General’s office, worked tirelessly to obtain the document in time for the World Cup qualifiers.
ZIFA chief executive officer, Yvonne Mapika Manwa, confirmed the development to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/chirewa-now-eligible-for-warriors/">Zimpapers Sports</a> yesterday. She said:
<blockquote>
Yes, we can confirm that Chirewa is now the holder of a Zimbabwean passport and will be eligible to play in the World Cup Qualifiers versus Lesotho and Bafana Bafana should the coaches select him.
</blockquote>
Chirewa made his full English Premier League debut on April 20, when Wolves lost 2-0 against Arsenal at Molineux. He made eight appearances for Wolves, who finished 14th on the log table.
Speaking to ZIFA online in South Africa, Chirewa said he was excited to be part of the Warriors squad for the qualifiers. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s good to be here. This is my first camp with the lads. Just proud and excited to be here and looking forward to the games.
Everyone has been good to me. I can’t complain, it’s good to be here. I can’t wait to play…
My best position is number 10, behind the striker. I can play forward, try to get goals and assist as well.
</blockquote>
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England-born Footballer, Tawanda Chirewa, Now Eligible To Play For Zimbabwe

The ZIFA Normalisation Committee is making frantic efforts to help England-born striker Tawanda Chirewa obtain a Zimbabwean passport to make him eligible to play for the Warriors, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200027844/wolves-forward-ineligible-for-warriors">NewsDay</a>.
Chirewa is one of 23 Warriors players camped in South Africa for Zimbabwe’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa on 07 June and 11 June respectively.
However, the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward’s participation in Friday’s match is uncertain as ZIFA has yet to secure his passport.
Without a Zimbabwean passport, Chirewa is ineligible to play for the Warriors.
The 20-year-old was born in the United Kingdom to Zimbabwean parents and holds a British passport.
ZIFA are confident Chirewa’s passport will be sorted in time for the match against Lesotho.
Other Warriors players born in the United Kingdom have all secured their passports.
The youngster has impressed the technical team led by Jairos Tapera after a couple of training sessions and are desperate to have him available for selection
In an interview with ZIFA Online this week, Chirewa shared his optimism ahead of a potential Warriors debut.
<blockquote>
I am just happy to be here, everyone has welcomed me; they have opened their arms for me.
We shouldn’t pay too much attention on them we should just do our training and listen to the manager.
</blockquote>
The Warriors have two points from their first two matches against Rwanda and Nigeria, and their Friday opponents, Lesotho, also have two points.
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Wolves Striker, Tawanda Chirewa, Ineligible For Warriors | Report

Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tawanda Chirewa has confirmed his availability for the Warriors’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to be played in South Africa.
Warriors interim coach Jairosi Tapera named the 20-year-old in the 23-men squad for the match against Lesotho on 07 June, and South Africa on 11 June.
Chirewa made his debut for the Wolves senior team in the just-ended 2023/24 English Premier League (EPL) season, where he made 10 appearances.
The England-born youngster was part of the squad for the four-nations tournament in Malawi in March but requested to be excused from the international assignment, as he aimed to secure a first-team position in the Wolves squad.
Tapera on Thursday told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200027603/wolves-star-checks-in-for-warriors-duty">NewsDay</a> that Chirewa had made himself available and would be one of the first players to report for camp in South Africa. Said Tapera:
<blockquote>
I spoke to him yesterday [Wednesday] and he assured me that he is available. He told me that he is travelling today [Thursday] and arriving in South Africa on Friday (today) evening.
It’s good for Zimbabwe football to have such a player in the squad who plays at the level he is playing. The English Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world, if not the best, so for him to be playing in that league shows that he is very good.
Unfortunately, we have limited time to work with all the players because making combinations in a team needs some time.
I would have wanted more time with the players, but such is the nature of international football. I expect him and all the other players to quickly fit into the system.
</blockquote>
Chirewa is one of seven England-based players who were included in the Warriors squad, together with Brendan Galloway, Shane Maroodza, Andy Rinemhota, Tivonge Rushesha, Joey Phuthi and Tawanda Maswanhise.
The Warriors camp is scheduled to start on Sunday in Johannesburg ahead of the match against Lesotho at the Orlando Stadium next Friday.
The match kicks off at 3 PM.
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Wolves Star Tawanda Chirewa Confirms Availability For Warriors Matches

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Tawanda Chirewa has reportedly been called up for the Zimbabwe senior national football team’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa next month.
The Warriors, who are in Group C, host Lesotho at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on June 7, and then take on hosts South Africa at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on June 11, 2024.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/wolves-prodigy-chirewa-in-warriors-squad/">The Herald</a>, despite the Warriors still being without a coach, the ZIFA Normalisation Committee has set up a committee that has been working on selecting players for the two matches.
Chirewa (20), is said to be among those players who have received their calls up from ZIFA.
He had his first Warriors call-up for a Four-nation tournament in Malawi in March, which featured the hosts, the Warriors, Zambia and Kenya.
Chirewa, however, withdrew from the squad saying he needed time to fully focus on club duties, where he wanted to fight for playing minutes at Wolves. He was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
I just want to make a quick message to the fans and the great people of Zimbabwe and let everyone know that I’m honoured and proud to be called to Zimbabwe and how sad I am to withdraw from the national team camp.
I am excited about the call, but I feel that I need to first solidify my place (at Wolves) so that when the next assignment comes, I’ll be an established English Premier League player and ready to take us (Zimbabwe) to the World Cup.
I am hopeful to be called and represent the Warriors shortly and I will be working very hard to take this country back to the levels which I believe it should be.
</blockquote>
The Herald reported ZIFA sources as saying Chirewa and Andy Rinomhota are among UK-based players who have been called up for the World Cup qualifiers. Said the source:
<blockquote>
Tawanda Chirewa has been included in the team and this time around, he has committed to come. He is a really good lad who can add a lot to the team.
</blockquote>
Jordan Zemura, Teenage Hadebe, Marvelous Nakamba, Tino Kadewere, Marshal Munetsi, Donavan Bernard, Martin Mapisa, and Emmanuel Jalai are among those to whom invitations have been sent.
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Tawanda Chirewa In Warriors Squad For World Cup Qualifiers | Report

Wolverhampton Wanderers, an English Premier League team, has signed 19-year-old Zimbabwean midfielder Tawanda Chirewa from Ipswich Town, a Championship club.
Chirewa will initially play for Wolverhampton’s Under 21s during the 2023/24 season. He made his senior debut for Ipswich in November 2019, becoming the second-youngest player in the team’s history. He signed a two-year scholarship at Ipswich in July 2020 and was subsequently granted his first professional contract four months later.
Jon Hunter-Barrett, the football academy manager, expressed his satisfaction with the signing of Tawanda Chirewa by Wolverhampton Wanderers. He said Chirewa has been on their radar since he was 16, and the club closely monitored his progress before seizing the right opportunity to approach him and secure his services. He added:
<blockquote>
His key qualities are his handling of the ball in tight areas and an ability to get the team up the pitch to create and score from deep areas.
As always, with one of our key strategies of looking at loan opportunities for our players at the right time, the departures of Harvey (Griffiths) and Alfie (Pond) and steady progression of one or two others into the first-team squad, it was important we strengthened our under-21s to ensure they have the ability to compete throughout the season.
</blockquote>
Harry Hooman, the head of UK academy recruitment, emphasized that Tawanda Chirewa has been a player of interest for Wolverhampton Wanderers for a significant period. They began monitoring him when he was an under-16 player and have continued to closely observe his progress in the subsequent seasons. Hooman said:
<blockquote>
He is an athletic, talented player with the ability to score and create goals. He wants to get on the ball and is not afraid to take responsibility and take risks to make things happen.
We feel he has the attributes and potential to do well for us both in the short and long-term. This is a fresh challenge for him and we are excited to see him kick on again with us.
</blockquote>
There is a significant number of players, particularly in the Premier League in England, who have Zimbabwean ancestry. Football supporters believe that if these players were called up for international duty, the Zimbabwean national team, the Warriors, would become much stronger. Some players residing abroad have previously responded to the call and represented Zimbabwe, while others have decided to change their nationalities due to concerns about the management of Zimbabwean football by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
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Wolves Have Signed 19-Year-Old Zimbabwean Midfielder Tawanda Chirewa

Warriors prospect <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Tawanda_Chirewa">Tawanda Chirewa</a> has been offered a new deal by Ipswich Town following the team’s promotion to the Championship.
He signed his first professional contract with Ipswich on 2 November 2020, signing a deal until 2022, which was extended with another year to 2023.
Chirewa (19), was one of the three senior players that were offered new contracts ahead of the 2023/24 season. The club said in a statement:
<blockquote>
The Club can confirm its retained list following the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.
Contract offers have been made to first-team duo Sone Aluko and Massimo Luongo, as well as youngster Tawanda Chirewa.
</blockquote>
Chirewa made his first senior debut in 2019, appearing as a second-half substitute in a 0–1 away loss to Colchester United in an EFL Trophy group-stage match.
He became the second youngest player to make the first-team debut for the club at 16 years and 31 days old.
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