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Brandon Moyo
ZIMBABWEAN forward Tawanda Chirewa’s future hangs in the balance following his release by English Championship side, Derby County on Monday.
The release, halfway through the season meant that the young Warriors ace had to return to his parent club, Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League (EPL). Chirewa was meant to be at Derby County for a season-long loan but struggled for game time.
There, however, has been no news on what the future holds for Chirewa from Wolves. It remains to be seen whether the 21-year old will stay at Molineux Stadium and fight for his place or will he be loaned out again before the January transfer window closes.
Derby County announced Chirewa’s exit on their website, stating that they have decided to exercise their right to end the loan agreement.
“Tawanda Chirewa has returned to his parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers after spending the first half of the 2024/25 campaign with Derby County. The 21 year old Zimbabwean international forward initially linked up with the Rams back in August on a season long loan from the Premier League side.
“Derby have opted to exercise the right to end the loan agreement during the current transfer window. Chirewa made six appearances in all competitions, of which five came in the league, during his time with Derby.
“Derby County would like to wish Tawanda every success in the future and for his efforts during his time with the club,” read the statement from Derby,” read the statement.
Chirewa made his EPL debut for Wolves in April last year and described it as a proud moment for him and his family while also stating he has a lot to work on to improve his game.
Born in Essex, England, to Zimbabwean parents, Chirewa made his name at Ipswich Town where he made his debut on November 12, 2019, appearing as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 away loss to Colchester United in an EFL Trophy group stage match.
At the time,he was the second youngest player to make his first-team debut for the club, after Connor Wickham, at 16 years and 31 days old.
Chirewa signed his first professional contract with Ipswich in November 2020, signing a deal until 2022, with the option of an additional year’s extension. In September 2023, EPL captured the young prodigy, who joined Wolves’ Under-21s side and quickly impressed first-team coach Gary O’Neal who gave him his senior team breakthrough as a second-half substitute in the FA Cup away to Brentford in January last year.
In the same month, Chirewa made his Premier League debut, as a second-half substitute in a goalless draw away to Brighton and Hove Albion.
In March 2024, Chirewa was called up by the Zimbabwe national senior team for the Four Nations Tournament in Malawi but requested to be excused to concentrate on club football.
Chirewa started the game against Lesotho in the World Cup Qualifiers in June and played 68 minutes and made his second start against South Africa and opened his goal account with an equaliser in the second minute.
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