Jonah Fabisch Finally Explains Why He Chose Zimbabwe Over Kenya: 'I Never Really Considered It'

The Kenyan-born midfielder has opened up about his decision to represent Zimbabwe over Kenya, sharing his thoughts for the first time.

Among the standout players for Zimbabwe in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign is Jonah Fabisch. The lanky, intelligent midfielder has turned heads with his industrious performances for the Warriors in their matches against Egypt and Angola.

Jonah Fabisch has anchored Zimbabwe's play with a calm and composed demeanour, moving with the assurance of a man born into the sport.

For Jonah Fabisch, football is a family legacy. He is the son of the late Reinhard Fabisch, the revered German coach whose influence reshaped football in both Zimbabwe and Kenya, leaving a legacy that still resonates across the continent.

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Reinhard Fabisch's name is etched in African football history. In Kenya, he orchestrated a footballing revolution, guiding the Harambee Stars to the 1987 All-Africa Games final on home soil and establishing a blueprint for future generations.

He later coached Zimbabwe from 1992 to 1994, followed by a brief spell with South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns and a second tenure with Kenya.

Tragically, Reinhard passed away in 2008 after a battle with cancer. Now, 17 years later, his name shines once again through his son, Jonah. Though he was only seven when his father died, the impact on his life was profound.

Jonah Fabisch on Snubbing Kenya, Germany to Represent Zimbabwe

Born in Kenya in 2001 during his father's second stint as Harambee Stars coach, Jonah spent his early months in East Africa.

He later moved to Zimbabwe and then Germany with his mother after his father took a coaching job in the United Arab Emirates. Faced with the choice of representing Kenya, Germany, or Zimbabwe, the midfielder's decision was a natural one.

"I grew up mostly with my mother, and I have always felt a very strong connection to Zimbabwe," Jonah Fabisch said in an exclusive interview with CAFOnline.

"My father coached there and loved the country deeply. I always had this feeling inside me that if I ever had the opportunity to play international football, I would choose Zimbabwe."

He added, "I was called up several times to the German youth national teams, but for my senior career, my decision was clear quite early. With Kenya, I only lived there during the first months of my life, so I don’t have a strong connection. I had the option, of course, but I never really considered it."

Now, Jonah is making his mark with the Warriors, and his solid performances at the Africa Cup of Nations are earning him recognition.

"Making my AFCON debut is very special. It marks the beginning of my journey at this level and it is a huge honour," Jonah described. "Playing on Africa’s biggest football stage comes with a lot of emotion, but also a great sense of responsibility. It is something I will always remember."

Zimbabwe has secured one point so far in their campaign in Morocco, from a 1-1 draw with Angola. They narrowly lost their opening match 2-1 to Egypt after a late goal from Mohamed Salah, but their performance drew widespread praise.