Alec Mudimu has helped put the Welsh Premier League on the map after being called up by Zimbabwe.

That’s the opinion of Cefn Druids manager Huw Griffiths, who took a chance on the athletic midfielder last summer.

Having headed to The Rock from lowly Stockport Town, Mudimu, with the help of Druids’ staff and team mates, has transformed himself into one of the most talked about players in the Welsh top-tier.

And Griffiths couldn’t be more pleased for the 22-year-old, saying: “I am made up for him and his family, it’s brilliant.

“This international call up could potentially change his life.

“He left Zimbabwe to come over here when he was young and now he gets to go back and become an international footballer.

“The league has had Dave Artell playing international football for Gibraltar in recent times, but he had a reasonable career before he came to Bala.

“Alec’s selection by Zimbabwe lifts the profile of the whole league.”

Mudimu is in the Zimbabwe squad for today’s clash with Four Nations’ hosts Zambia with the winners set to face either South Africa or Angola on Sunday.

The call up comes despite Mudimu failing to be signed by Fleetwood Town or Rochdale following trials - something which Griffiths feels has worked in his midfielder’s favour.

“Alec not getting in at Fleetwood or Rochdale could be the best thing that’s happened to him,” said Griffiths.

“He’s come back to us and worked hard at his game. We’ve pushed him further forward and he’s got four goals since the split, which is a good record.

“He has worked hard to manage his emotions as well. He went on trial and when he came back there were people trying to tell him all kinds of different things. But he’s knuckled down and got his rewards. He’s a lovely lad, he’s great.”

Griffiths also reckons Druids should give themselves a pat on the back for the part they’ve played in Mudimu’s development.

“We’ve turned down an offer from a Welsh Premier League club for Alec,” added Griffiths.

“Alec has no ambition to play for another team in the Welsh Premier League because he wants full time football.

“I think the club and the coaches deserve a pat on the back. No-one had backed him until we signed him.”