Macauley Bonne, striker for Maldon & Tiptree, is preparing for the biggest match of his football career: representing Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2025. The 30-year-old could find himself on the same pitch as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush in Zimbabwe’s opening game against Egypt at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, Morocco.

For Bonne, who has spent much of his career in the lower tiers of English football, the journey to Afcon is a remarkable story of perseverance and dedication.

From Essex to Afcon: A Career Journey

Bonne began his career at Colchester United and has played for clubs including Leyton Orient, Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic, and Queens Park Rangers. He now represents Maldon & Tiptree, a team in the eighth tier of English football, where he recently appeared as a substitute in a 1–0 victory over Redbridge in the Isthmian League North Division.

Despite the modest domestic stage, Bonne is preparing to take on one of the world’s best, reflecting on the “emotional” moment when he was called up to Zimbabwe’s squad.

“I was overwhelmed, there were a few tears shed,” Bonne told BBC Essex. “I’m so happy, I can’t explain it. Missing out on camps over the last few months and then being called up by the new manager… it’s just incredible.”

Zimbabwe Back After Fifa Ban

Zimbabwe, nicknamed The Warriors, missed the previous Afcon due to a two-year Fifa ban imposed in 2022 over governmental interference in football. After the ban was lifted in 2023, Zimbabwe had missed qualifying for the tournament, which was ultimately won by Ivory Coast in February 2024.

The national team qualified for Afcon 2025 by finishing second to Cameroon in the qualifying group and has been drawn alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Angola.

Excitement and Focus Ahead of Egypt Clash

Bonne is aware of the challenge ahead. “Everyone asks me, ‘Are you playing Salah? Are you playing Marmoush?’ At the end of the day, I’m going there to win games for Zimbabwe,” he said. “I’ve got to focus, be serious, and make the most of this opportunity.”

He also reflected on the personal sacrifices involved, including spending Christmas away from his family: “I can’t take it as a jolly-up. I’ve got to be serious and represent my country to the best of my ability.”

A New Manager and England-Based Teammates

Bonne joins Zimbabwe under new head coach Mario Marinica, appointed in November, replacing Michael Nees. Marinica has experience with Malawi and Liberia and has included several England-based players, such as Wolves’ Tawanda Chirewa, Sheffield Wednesday’s Sean Fusire, Reading’s Andy Rinomhota, and Plymouth Argyle defender Brendan Galloway.

Bonne does not expect to start immediately but hopes to impress the coach and earn playing time, seeing any minutes on the pitch as a chance to prove himself.

Overcoming Setbacks: Seven Years of Determination

Bonne’s path to Afcon has been far from straightforward. He missed previous tournaments due to passport issues, Covid travel restrictions, and managerial decisions, and went seven years without an international appearance between 2017 and 2024.

Reflecting on the journey, Bonne said: “I’ve got seven years of hunger to get to this moment. When I get a chance, I take it, and this is one I’m absolutely going to grab with both hands. I’ve waited a long time for this, for me and my family. It’s now or never.”

From Non-League Football to the International Stage

Bonne’s story is rare: a player from step four of non-league football reaching a major international tournament. His journey highlights not only perseverance but also the unpredictable and rewarding nature of a football career.

With Zimbabwe facing Egypt, South Africa, and Angola in the group stage, Bonne will hope to make an impact and perhaps inspire other players in lower-tier football that international glory is still within reach.