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Darts striker's World Cup goal

AMBITION: Tostao Kwashi wants to play in the World Cup next summer. Picture: RICHARD EATON
AMBITION: Tostao Kwashi wants to play in the World Cup next summer. Picture: RICHARD EATON

DARTFORD striker Tostao Kwashi is eyeing a place in next summer’s World Cup after being recalled by Zimbabwe.

The 25-year-old travels on Sunday, hoping to net his first full international goal during the COSAFA Cup clash against Mozambique.

An impressive performance in the Southern African Nations Cup could see Darts’ 21-goal top-scorer retain his place in the team, with the chance to feature in the World Cup qualifiers.

He said: "We’re in the same World Cup group as Nigeria. And there’s a chance we could qualify. If we get there, I hope to be the one nicking the winning goal against England to beat you guys 1-0 for the upset of the 21st century."

Kwashi has played at all levels for his national side, winning 25 caps in all, and is confident he can score for the Warriors.

He said: "I’m always confident that I’ll score in every game. It’s my job to score goals and I have to go into every game with the attitude that I’m going to."

The well-travelled striker – whose list of clubs include Bundesliga side FC Cologne – is looking forward to being reunited with his family, who are a national name in his country.

Kwashi’s father Steven is a three-time coach of the year, having taking CAPS United to the Zimbabwean League title.

An accident that left his father in a coma for eight months means extra pressure for the ambitious African.

"He was involved in a car accident and was in a coma for eight months. He hasn’t fully recovered. He can walk and talk but can’t work and my mother is unemployed as well.

"I’m the bread winner. I pay my university fees and support my family in Africa, and I like that responsibility. I wouldn’t be what I am now without my parents."

Kwashi has been linked with a number of teams during the season, including Tonbridge, Welling and Erith & Belvedere but he’s more than happy where he is for now.

He said: "I’m happy where I am. I would only leave for a full-time club and that is still my dream. I still want to play for Real Madrid and Liverpool in the Champions League. I always think big, because then your results will be big."

Current manager Tony Burman agreed to release his star striker for the match after ensuring the club’s Eastern Division safety.

He said: "He’s a goal-scorer and he’s got a quality attitude and never misses a training session. Out and out strikers are hard to find and he’s done well for me and the club all season."

Zimbabwe play Mozambique next Saturday, with the victors facing the winners of either Namibia or Botswana the following day. The winners then face two other group champions, together with holders Angola in the finals, which are due to be played in August.

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