With the anticipation of a prized Christmas gift, footballer Macauley Bonne is working to manage his enthusiasm.

The contrast between playing for eighth-tier team Maldon & Tiptree and representing Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is vast.

After a long trip of over 2,000 miles to Morocco, the 30-year-old will participate in this significant international event, potentially sharing the field with stars like Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush.

It’s been 11 years since Bonne made his debut for Zimbabwe, the country of his parents, where he has only had four additional caps since that first goal-scoring appearance.

I was quite emotional when I learned I was selected for the squad, given how my career has been in recent times, Bonne shared with BBC Essex.

After missing previous call-ups and with a new manager keen to introduce new dynamics—I was completely taken aback and shed some tears. I’m just so happy; words can’t express it.

Zimbabwe was absent from the previous AFCON, along with Kenya, due to a two-year ban enforced by FIFA in 2022 over governmental interference in football management.

The suspension was lifted in the following year; however, the Warriors still missed qualifying, with the hosts Ivory Coast claiming the trophy in February 2024 after defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final.

Zimbabwe qualified for AFCON 2025 by finishing second to Cameroon and landed in a challenging group alongside seven-time champions Egypt, South Africa, and Angola.

The first match against Egypt on Monday at Agadir’s Adrar Stadium will certainly be a difficult kickoff, but it could see Bonne in action alongside Salah and Marmoush—perhaps even swapping jerseys if luck permits.

You know, everyone keeps asking me if I’m playing against Salah or Marmoush. But ultimately, I’m focused on winning the game, and they’re just fellow players on the field alongside me, Bonne remarked.

I’m there to represent my country. I must remain focused and not let distractions affect my performance.

He added, I’ll be away from my family during Christmas, separating from my wife, kids, and even dogs. This isn’t a holiday for me; I have to approach this seriously and make the most of the opportunity.

Zimbabwe’s new head coach, Romanian Mario Marincia, took charge in November after succeeding Michael Nees, who previously managed Malawi and Liberia.

With several players from England in the squad, including Wolves’ Tawanda Chirewa, Sean Fusire from Sheffield Wednesday, Andy Rinomhota of Reading, and Plymouth Argyle’s Brendan Galloway, Bonne acknowledges the talent available.

For Bonne, this is a significant advancement from his last game as a substitute in Maldon & Tiptree’s 1-0 Isthmian League North Division victory at Redbridge, attended by only 152 fans.

Someone ought to secure the film rights to this because it has blockbuster potential, he joked.

This part of my career tells the story of overcoming setbacks. From playing in the lower divisions to now representing my country—it’s extraordinary.

All of them are thrilled for me. Transitioning from a step-four league to an international tournament is quite unprecedented, right?

Having previously played for Charlton and Queens Park Rangers in the Championship, Bonne draws on that experience.

He doesn’t anticipate being in the starting lineup immediately, but hopes to provide Marincia with a strategic choice.

Every striker aims to score, but my primary goal is to play, earn some minutes, and everything else will be a bonus. Scoring will be the next target after that, he noted.

Bonne played last season with Southend United and participated in the National League playoffs at Wembley before ultimately accepting a lower-tier move to join his current team.

He has previously missed AFCON participation due to various issues, including passport problems and COVID-related travel restrictions, with no appearances for the national team between 2017 and 2024.

Participating in a major tournament was always my goal, and now that opportunity is at hand, Bonne remarked.

I’ve missed some AFCONs owing to my passport issues and didn’t qualify for World Cup selection due to managerial preferences—many obstacles have impeded my journey.

It’s been seven years of longing, not just frustration but a hunger to reach this moment. When the opportunity arises, I seize it. I am determined to make my mark.

After a long wait for both my family and me, it’s now or never, and I must maximize this chance.