Zimbabwe’s Young Warriors are settling into camp ahead of the CAF Olympic qualifiers, with young midfielder JuniorChigumbu and Manica Diamonds defender Darrel Zulu embracing the opportunity to make their mark on the international stage.

For Chigumbu, 20, the national team call-up represents more than just another football opportunity. The midfielder says his early days in camp have already helped him grow both as a player and as an individual.

“I’m really enjoying the first few days in the camp. It’s a beautiful place, beautiful views, I’m enjoying the nutrition. Everything’s going well so far,” Chigumbu said.

He was particularly impressed by the first training session and the influence of the technical team, saying the environment has encouraged him to improve.

“A great group of technical staff who encourage you in different ways, and I’m really seeing myself growing even in these few days here. I feel like I’m getting a better player and I’m enjoying the moment,” he said.

Beyond football, Chigumbu has also enjoyed building friendships with teammates from different parts of Zimbabwe and players based overseas.

“The best part of the camp so far is meeting my new friends. I’ve made a lot of close friends. Zulu, Joseph, those are two of my favourite players currently,” he said.

With the Olympic qualifiers providing an opportunity to represent Zimbabwe, Chigumbu has set his sights on making his national team debut.

“What I’m personally hoping to achieve is to get an appearance for my national team and actually represent my country. It will be a really proud moment for me and my family,” he said.

The midfielder is also looking beyond the qualifiers, with international travel another major motivation.

“What I’m looking forward to most is actually travelling outside Africa. It will be my first time going overseas and I’m really looking forward to it,” Chigumbu said.

For Zulu, who plays for Manica Diamonds, receiving the national team call-up is a source of immense pride for himself, his family and his club.

“Being called for the national team, I think it’s a great achievement to me as well as to my family and as well as to my team Manica Diamonds. So it’s a great achievement to me,” Zulu said.

The youngster has approached the camp with a willingness to learn, particularly from teammates who have gained experience playing outside Zimbabwe.

“My personal goals during this camp, I would like to learn new things from other guys who came from abroad and obviously from my fellow guys, from the locals,” he said.

“I think I’m willing to learn new things as well from the coaches and the type of play from the other guys.”

Zulu also carries a strong personal motivation into the national team environment. Coming from Domboshava, he sees the opportunity as a chance to create a legacy for himself, his family and his community.

“What motivates me when I put on the national team jersey is that from my home ground where I come from, Domboshava, there hasn’t been anyone else being called to the national team.

“My family, they haven’t been in one yet, they’ve been called for the national team. So I think I should make a name for myself and for my family and for my home fellas so that Zimbabwean history will know,” he continued.