Trey Nyoni’s Grandmother Defends Zimbabwean Roots As Alois Bunjira Calls For Patience Over Warriors Decision

The family of Liverpool’s teenage midfielder Treymaurice Nyoni has moved to dismiss claims questioning the youngster’s Zimbabwean identity, with former Warriors and CAPS United star Alois Bunjira revealing a message he received from Nyoni’s maternal grandmother.

Bunjira said he met Nyoni’s grandmother at St Clare Roman Catholic Church in Harare, where they had a detailed conversation about the Liverpool youngster’s background, his international future and the impact of reports circulating on social media.

According to Bunjira, the family was disappointed by false claims suggesting that Nyoni had rejected his Zimbabwean roots, insisting that the player has always been proud of his heritage.

The former Warriors midfielder said Nyoni’s grandmother explained that the teenager never made statements denying his Zimbabwean identity and was hurt by the reports and criticism that followed.

“On Sunday I met Trey Nyoni’s maternal grandmother at St Clare Roman Catholic Church. I had a great discussion with her regarding Trey,” Bunjira said.

“What I gathered from the discussion is that the family was much disappointed by the fake articles attributed to Trey saying he was not Zimbabwean. The grandmother stressed that Trey never said those things and he was very much hurt reading that and some insults hurled towards him.”

Bunjira added that Nyoni’s grandmother highlighted the strong Zimbabwean roots within the family, despite the midfielder being born in England and holding British citizenship.

He said both Nyoni’s maternal and paternal grandparents are Zimbabwean, while his parents also have Zimbabwean roots, with family connections to Mbare and Bulawayo.

“Trey Nyoni is very much proud to be Zimbabwean, with a full Zimbabwean heritage. Both sets of maternal and paternal grandparents are full Zimbabweans. Both parents are full Zimbabweans, with one coming from Mbare and the other from Bulawayo,” Bunjira said.

“There is no way he cannot be Zimbabwean, although he holds a British citizenship.”

Nyoni, who is currently an England youth international, remains eligible to represent either England or Zimbabwe at senior level. The talented midfielder is yet to make a final decision on which country he will represent in the future.

Bunjira believes the youngster deserves time and space to make one of the biggest decisions of his football career as he continues his development at Liverpool.

“Trey is currently an England youth international but deserves space to clear his head as he enters the most crucial time of his career with Liverpool before he can commit to full international football with either England or Zimbabwe,” he said.

The CAPS United legend also urged Zimbabwean supporters to respect whichever decision Nyoni makes, saying the player’s career and development should come first.

“At the end of the day, it is his choice. If he does choose to represent England, we as Zimbabweans should respect that choice and continue supporting mwana wevhu as a footballer. If he chooses Zimbabwe, we shall rejoice.”

Bunjira also criticised those spreading false information about the youngster, saying such reports have a negative impact on the player and his family.

“Those who write fake negative articles about Trey Nyoni should stop. It is so hurtful to the family,” he added.

While respecting Nyoni’s freedom of choice, Bunjira admitted that he personally hopes the midfielder chooses Zimbabwe and believes representing the Warriors could give him a special connection with the nation.

He said he explained to Nyoni’s grandmother why he feels playing for Zimbabwe could be beneficial for the Liverpool youngster.

“Playing for England has its own advantages, but it also has its downside. I believe the advantages of playing for Zimbabwe far outweigh those playing for England, emotions included.”

Bunjira believes Nyoni has the ability to become one of Zimbabwe’s biggest football stars if he eventually chooses to wear the Warriors jersey.

“I have a deep feeling that Trey will choose to play for Zimbabwe soon. It is just natural. He will be a hero here in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Born in England to Zimbabwean parents, Nyoni has risen through the ranks of English football after starting his development at Sheffield Wednesday before joining Liverpool’s academy.

The 19-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of the promising young talents at the Premier League giants and has already gained international experience with England at youth level.

Zimbabwe has continued efforts to attract players from the diaspora, with several England-born players including Jordan Zemura, Tawanda Chirewa, Tawanda Maswanhise and Andy Rinomhota committing their futures to the Warriors.

As the country waits for Nyoni’s final decision, Bunjira’s message remains focused on support, patience and allowing the young midfielder to make the right choice for his career while proudly carrying his Zimbabwean heritage.