In a remarkable footballing odyssey, Macauley Bonne is poised to bridge an extraordinary competitive divide as he prepares to represent Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations while playing his club football for eighth-tier English side Maldon & Tiptree. The 30-year-old striker, whose career has spanned Championship clubs including Charlton Athletic and Queens Park Rangers, now finds himself potentially sharing the pitch with global superstars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
The emotional significance of this call-up resonates deeply with Bonne, who made his goalscoring debut for Zimbabwe eleven years ago but has accumulated just four additional caps since. His selection comes under new head coach Mario Marinica, who took charge of The Warriors in November following the team’s reinstatement after a FIFA-imposed ban for governmental interference. That suspension caused Zimbabwe to miss the previous AFCON tournament, where Ivory Coast ultimately triumphed in 2024.
Bonne’s journey to international competition contrasts starkly with his most recent domestic appearance—a substitute appearance before 152 spectators in Maldon & Tiptree’s 1-0 victory against Redbridge in the Isthmian League North Division. The striker believes his unprecedented path from non-league football to international tournament may represent a footballing first. ‘I don’t think it’s ever been done, has it?’ Bonne mused, suggesting his story deserves cinematic treatment.
The Zimbabwean squad features several England-based players including Wolves midfielder Tawanda Chirewa and Plymouth Argyle defender Brendan Galloway. Drawn in a challenging group alongside seven-time champions Egypt, South Africa, and Angola, Zimbabwe faces a difficult opening match against Egypt’s star-studded lineup.
Bonne acknowledges the personal sacrifices involved—being away from family during Christmas—but maintains fierce determination to capitalize on this long-awaited opportunity after previous setbacks including passport issues, COVID restrictions, and selection disappointments. While not expecting immediate inclusion in the starting lineup, the striker aims to contribute meaningful minutes and potentially find the net in what he describes as a ‘now or never’ moment for his international career.