Noel Zimbeva’s dream of representing Zimbabwe has finally become a reality.

The talented Zimbabwean midfielder is set to make his first appearance for the Young Warriors after earning a place in the Zimbabwe Under-23 squad for the upcoming CAF Olympic qualifiers.

The 22-year-old Radford University midfielder, known as “Baba Thiago”, has been handed his maiden call-up to the Young Warriors squad for the CAF Olympic qualifiers.

Zimbeva had spoken openly about his desire to represent his country, insisting that wearing the Zimbabwean jersey was one of his biggest goals despite pursuing his career overseas.

Earlier this year, after completing a successful season with Central Kansas United, where he helped the club win the league title before securing a move to NCAA Division I side Radford University, Zimbeva told ZimNow Sports that his ambitions extended beyond simply earning a national team call-up.

“I don't just want to wear the Zimbabwe jersey, I want to help build a team that believes it can compete with the best and qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Zimbabwe has the talent to dream bigger, and if I'm fortunate enough to be part of the national team, I'll give everything I have every time I step onto the pitch,” he said.

At the time, the midfielder was still waiting for his opportunity. Now, that opportunity has arrived.

Zimbeva’s inclusion in Marc Sanchez’s Young Warriors squad represents the first step towards fulfilling the promise he made to himself and to Zimbabwean football supporters.

The midfielder previously spoke about the pride he felt in carrying his Zimbabwean identity wherever his career took him, making it clear that his international ambitions remained firmly tied to his homeland.

“To the people of Zimbabwe, I want you to know that I carry the flag with pride wherever I go. Representing my country has always been an ambition of mine, but my focus is on earning that opportunity through my performances and hard work,” he said.

That hard work has now earned him his chance.

Zimbeva will join a Young Warriors squad that includes a mixture of locally based players and Zimbabweans developing their careers abroad, as the country begins its campaign in the CAF Olympic qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Tadiwa Chakuchichi, who was part of the senior Warriors squad that travelled to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and made headlines as one of the youngest players in the group, was not included in the Under-23 squad.

Young Warriors Squad — CAF Olympic Qualifiers

Head Coach: Marc Sanchez

Goalkeepers:
Jayen Garthwaite (Aston Villa), Tatenda Chikowero (Ngezi Platinum), Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds).

Defenders:
Sean Fisure (Sheffield Wednesday), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Shane Marozda (Sarajevo), Taropafadzwa Wafawarova (Newcastle Jets), Takudzwa Guanzura (Norwich City), Jayden Mineikwa (Norwich City), Keith Handirade (MWOS FC), Richard Nkomo (South Melbourne).

Midfielders:
Tadiwanashe Huni (FC Hunters), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinajoki), Garie Jr Brendon Chibika (Chicken Inn), Miles Brackring (Norwich City), Seth Chingwaro (Fulham), Noel Zimbeva (Radford), Junior Chigwambu (Houtbay United), Menzi Mazwi (Birmingham).

Forwards:
Timmy Kushata (MWOS FC), Darrel Zulu (Manica Diamonds), Tawanda Munemo (Ngezi Platinum), Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders), Elisha Pupu (Portsmouth), David Chigwara (Brentford), Vernon Masana (Peterborough).