Nottingham Forest Monitor Zimbabwe Wonderkid Tadiwa Chakuchichi

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

Premier League club Nottingham Forest are monitoring highly rated Zimbabwean teenager Tadiwa Chakuchichi after his breakthrough performances for Scottland FC and the Zimbabwe national team, according to ESPN. The 17-year-old winger, who became the youngest player at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is attracting growing interest from Europe, with Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg also closely tracking his progress.

According to ESPN, Forest have made enquiries about the Zimbabwe international but, like Salzburg, cannot sign him until he turns 18 on 1 June 2027, in line with FIFA regulations governing the international transfer of underage players. The report adds that Salzburg remain the only club to have progressed as far as Forest in pursuing the talented winger.

Chakuchichi's stock rose significantly after he made his senior international debut for the Warriors at AFCON 2025 in Morocco. He came on as a late substitute for Jonah Fabisch during Zimbabwe's final Group B match against South Africa on 29 December 2025. Although Zimbabwe suffered a 3-2 defeat, the teenager's inclusion at the continental showpiece highlighted his immense potential and placed him firmly on the radar of European scouts.

The Scottland FC winger has impressed throughout the domestic season with his pace, close control and attacking flair, earning widespread praise from coaches and football analysts who regard him as one of Zimbabwe's brightest young prospects.

ESPN reports that Chakuchichi is one of at least two young internationals from the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) region currently under observation by Nottingham Forest. The other is South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who now plays for Chicago Fire FC in Major League Soccer after his move from Orlando Pirates. Sources told ESPN that while Forest's interest in both players remains at an exploratory stage, the club continues to strengthen its scouting network across Africa as it looks to recruit emerging talent with high development potential.

Forest's recruitment drive comes amid significant changes within the club's football operations. The club appointed Oliver Glasner as head coach on 6 July 2026, replacing Vítor Pereira, while restructuring its football department following the departures of former global head of football Edu and head of football development Craig Mulholland earlier this year. Recruitment is now overseen by chief football officer George Syrianos, who has worked within Evangelos Marinakis' multi-club football network since 2021.

Should Nottingham Forest eventually secure Chakuchichi's signature after he reaches the eligible age for an international transfer, it would mark another significant milestone for Zimbabwean football and further underline the country's growing reputation for producing talented young players capable of competing at the highest level.

Nottingham Forest Tadiwa Chakuchichi