Macauley Bonne’s hopes of representing Zimbabwe this weekend have been dashed because of passport issues.

But the Colchester United striker is still dreaming of taking on some of the world’s most talented footballers for the Warriors at the African Cup of Nations.

Bonne was due to travel to play in Zimbabwe’s back-to-back Group L qualifiers against Swaziland but will now be available for the U’s home game against Doncaster Rovers on Good Friday, after administration issues scuppered his chances of playing international football.

Bonne, 20, who scored on his Zimbabwe debut back in November 2014, told the Daily Gazette: “There were a few difficulties to do with me being British and playing for the Zimbabwe international team.

“There were a few passport issues that we didn’t really get sorted in time.

“I was due to leave on Sunday night and it would have taken too long to get sorted for me to play on Saturday.

“I’ll get my passport sorted out and then hopefully be available for the next set of games.

“They’ve told me that I’m going to be involved for them whether they qualify for the African Cup of Nations or not.

“I’m disappointed not to be involved this time around as it’s a massive thing playing in the qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations – it’s a big competition to play in.

“People all around the world watch the tournament – I sit and watch it myself and to be a part of that would be a big achievement for me.

“There are some world class players there and the teams we’d be playing against are up there with some of the Premier League players you see.

“It’ll be a different challenge but I’m looking forward to it and want the boys to qualify.”

Bonne is now focusing his efforts on Colchester’s game against fellow strugglers Doncaster at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Rovers find themselves in League One’s bottom four following their 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Peterborough United, last weekend.

Colchester lie ten points adrift of safety with nine games remaining and are desperate for a win to keep their slim survival hopes alive, after Kevin Keen’s side conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 at Walsall, last weekend.

“My aim is to focus on the league now and go again on Friday,” added Bonne, who has scored nine times for the U’s this season.

“We were all absolutely devastated after Walsall and it was a horrible feeling to lose.

“Every week we play well as a team and we have some unbelievable footballers but we’ve conceded late goals in our last two matches.

“We play unbelievable football where we go forward really well and defend really well but we just have to train well and go again against Doncaster.

“It’s a massive game because they’re down there with us."