Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster and Scottish youth international Ethan Sutherland has become the first major signing under ZIFA’s new diaspora talent recruitment campaign. The 18-year-old has officially agreed to switch his international allegiance from Scotland to Zimbabwe, marking a key milestone in the association’s push to attract foreign-based players with Zimbabwean heritage to represent the Warriors.
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi and head coach Michael Nees are currently in the United Kingdom on a strategic mission to engage young prospects born in England and Scotland. Their campaign, titled Roots and Dreams: A Conversation with ZIFA, kicked off in London where they met with Sutherland and his family before heading to Birmingham. Further meetings are lined up with rising talents such as Trey Nyoni, Shumaira Mheuka, and Arsenal’s Teshaun Murisa.
Sutherland, who was born in Scotland to a Zimbabwean mother, began his football journey with St. Mirren before joining Wolves. Though yet to debut for the Premier League side’s senior team, he’s gaining experience with the U21s and recently went on loan to Solihull Moors. A versatile player capable of operating as a winger or right-back, he earned three caps for Scotland’s U19s in 2024.
The naturalization process for Sutherland is now underway, making him eligible for future Warriors call-ups. His decision not only reconnects him with his roots but could also inspire more diaspora talent to follow suit. ZIFA’s initiative aims to travel beyond the UK, targeting players in Europe, the US, and Australia as it seeks to rebuild the national team with fresh, globally-trained talent ahead of key international fixtures.
