Admiral Muskwe admits it will be a ‘huge honour’ to represent Zimbabwe in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The forward headed to host country Cameroon last night and spoke of his excitement ahead of the competition before leaving.
“I’m very excited. It’s a huge honour for myself and my family and I’m looking forward to the whole experience.
“As a young boy you always dream about playing in a major tournament, playing for your country is a huge honour, especially being able to do it at such a prestigious tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations. It is something I’ve always wanted to do it and now I’m going to get the opportunity to do so in a weeks’ time.”
The 23-year-old started his international journey with England but explained that once Zimbabwe called, there was only one option he wanted to pursue.
“I played England U16s and U17s, which was a huge honour as well, a great privilege for me and my family and then I think when I was 18, 19, Zimbabwe called.
"It was a decision I had to make, and I think just playing for the motherland, I’ve always had it in the back of my mind, so I’m very honoured to be playing for my country. When they called me up the first time, it was a no-brainer really.”
Zimbabwe’s group consists of Guinea, Malawi and Senegal, the latter of whom Admiral and his team-mates will kick-off against.
AFCON 2021 Zimbabwe schedule:
- Senegal vs Zimbabwe, 1pm (Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam) - Live on Sky Sports Premier League
- Malawi vs Zimbabwe, 4pm (Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam) - Live on Sky Sports Premier League
- Zimbabwe vs Guinea, 4pm (Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaounde) - Live on Sky Sports Premier League
“It doesn’t get much tougher than that, but it’s definitely one I’m excited about and looking forward to playing in,” Muskwe said ahead of the group opener.
“You’ve got players from the best leagues in the world and they’re all coming together to play in one tournament so it’s going to be a good experience that’s for sure, it always is, every time I’ve watched it it’s always been exciting football, end to end, it’s a good showcase of football in Africa and football in general.
“Events with fans are always good and African fans are very, very enthusiastic, and they are very passionate so it’s always good to play for your country.”
He also spoke about his time with the Hatters so far after moving to Kenilworth Road in July 2021, saying: “I’m very happy to have made the move. I think when I first moved in the summer I reiterated it was the perfect fit for myself and the club and maybe I haven’t got off to the start I would have wanted, picked up a little niggles, few injuries here and there, but everyone’s been great.
“The staff are great, everyone around the place is great, the boys are great, the fans are great, I don’t have a bad word to say about Luton. It’s a great place to be and hopefully I can repay the fans and the faith the club have shown in me once I’m back from the Africa Cup of Nations.”
