The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
YOU know you have done the business when fans give you a nickname halfway through the mission as was the case when Seth Patrick made his Young Warriors home debut in midweek.
Patrick left Zimbabwe for the United Kingdom when he was just four months old but is back 18 years later to defend his homeland’s flag on the football pitch.
The defensive midfielder bossed the show as the Young Warriors defeated Mozambique 2-0 at the National Sports Stadium and booked a place in the final qualifying round of the Under 23 Cup of Nations.
Patrick, who is on the books of German side Vfb Lubeck, stamped his authority in the middle of the park — spraying passes left, right and centre with ease as well as snuffing out dangerous raids by the Mozambicans.
Fans were so impressed by the top drawer show that they immediately nicknamed the midfielder Boss Kedha because of his dominance as well as light skin.
“I heard the fans chanting Boss Kedha every time I had the ball and I knew it was about love although I was not sure what they meant,” said Patrick.
Donning the national team colours is something that Patrick has also dreamt of.
“My family is in England and they always told me about the football culture and spirit in Zimbabwe. I yearned to experience that culture.
“And when I came here I saw it for myself, watching the Warriors game on Sunday was just so magnificent, the energy in the stadium was something indescribable. I wished I could run onto that pitch and play as well.”
And when the opportunity came for him to run onto the NSS turf a fired up Patrick grabbed it with both hands.
Now the goal is to graduate into the senior national team.
“Yes my dream is to play for the seniors and of course I’m going to work very hard to get there.
“For now, my main focus is with the U-23s and the games we have coming,” said Patrick.
Just like Jadon Sancho, the English sensational midfielder who is blossoming at Borussia Dortmund, Zimbabwe’s rising linkman has also benefited from Germany’s ability to nurture young talent.
Patrick played for Northampton Juniors for five years before moving to Germany at the start of the season, joining what has become a trend for young British players.
“I played for Northampton Under-13 to Under-18 and after the Under-18 season wrapped up, I was given an opportunity to play abroad.
“I saw that players from big English clubs were moving to German teams and becoming better players. Germany gives young players a chance that the English League never really provides,” said Patrick.
Welcome home Boss Kedha!
