SAIDO BERAHINO ON THE BRINK OF CHOOSING ENGLAND OVER BURUNDI
A major blow looms for Burundi’s national team, as one of their most promising diaspora talents, Saido Berahino, edges closer to a future with England. The West Bromwich Albion striker has officially been called up by Roy Hodgson for England’s upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Slovenia and Scotland.
A Dream for England, a Loss for Burundi
Should Berahino accept and feature in either match, FIFA regulations will permanently cap-tie him to England, eliminating any possibility of representing the Swallows of Burundi in the future — a bitter pill for the Burundian Football Federation, which has long courted the 21-year-old.
From Civil War to Premier League
Born in Bujumbura, Berahino fled Burundi at the age of ten during the height of the civil war. Seeking refuge, his family was granted asylum in the UK and settled in Birmingham. His footballing talent quickly surfaced, and in 2004 he joined West Brom’s academy. After progressing through the ranks, he made his Premier League debut and has since become a regular starter, catching the eye with his pace, positioning, and goal-scoring instincts.
A Difficult Offer to Refuse
Given his upbringing in England and the prestige of a national team call-up, rejecting Roy Hodgson’s offer seems highly unlikely. Representing England would fulfill a dream for the young striker — but it leaves Burundi and its fans with a deep sense of what could have been.
As Berahino now prepares to potentially don the Three Lions shirt, his choice will mark a pivotal moment — not just in his own career, but in the fortunes of Burundian football as well.
