The 20-year-old left-back was handed his chance by U’s boss Danny Cowley in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy group game against Ipswich Town under-21s .

Musanhi, who joined Colchester in the summer of 2025 following a year with Crystal Palace under-21s, admitted there were some nerves before kick-off.

But those quickly disappeared once the action got under way.

“I was a little bit nervous before the game but when you start playing, you completely forget about the nerves and you’re just focused on playing the game,” said Musanhi.

“I’m so happy I was able to go out there and show what I can do and the fans can get a good view of what type of player you are and what you bring to the table, so I’m buzzing.

“It was just about building into the game.

In control - Colchester United's Kurai Musanhi in action on his first senior start for the club against Ipswich Town under-21s (Image: Richard Blaxall)

“I started off telling myself, ‘simple passes and grow into the game’, and in the second half I was able to get forward a lot more and enjoy possession a lot more.

“When you go into games like this making your senior debut, the nerves can get to you but you tell yourself to do the simple things and the same things that you do every day.

“The next thing you know, you’re on the ball and having some joy.”

Musanhi also revealed how Cowley helped settle those nerves with a personal message immediately before his opportunity.

“Everything that comes, it comes because you’ve earned it,” he said.

“Before the game, the gaffer said to me I’d earned my opportunity.

“He put two hands on my head and said, ‘we believe in you, kid’.

“He told me that everyone’s behind me and to do the things I do every day, nothing different out there, and to go and enjoy it.

“It makes it a lot easier when you’re enjoying it.”

Top talent - Kurai Musanhi played for Colchester United against Ipswich Town under-21s (Image: Richard Blaxall)

Musanhi is now determined to convince Cowley and his staff that he deserves further first-team opportunities.

“It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, if you’re consistent and you’ve shown the gaffers that you deserve your opportunity, then you’ll get it,” he added.

“I want to be as consistent as possible, never get too high, never get too low.

“Just keep on trying to be the best you can be and work hard.

“I’ll keep on trying to show the gaffers that I’m hungry, that I want another opportunity and show that I can be consistent.”

The Zimbabwe international enjoys contributing further forward from left-back but insists his defensive responsibilities must always come first.

“You’ve got to have a balance, in this day and age,” he said.

“As a defender, first and foremost your job is to protect the goal.

“Once you’ve had that foundation of being a defender and stopping crosses and shots, that’s when you can build, get forward and have joy.

“I really enjoy getting forward and joining the attack.”

Kurai Musanhi highlights his targets on consistency and getting more minutes with the first team after debuting in the U’s win against Ipswich Town U21 by 4-3 penalties. Watch the full interview on Col U TV. https://t.co/ozXLxvIDta #ColU | #WeAreUnited https://t.co/ztmQVlKtFR

— Colchester United FC (@ColU_Official) November 11, 2026

Musanhi already had familiarity on the left flank against Ipswich, having previously played alongside Kaion Lisbie at under-21 level.

“Kaion and I have played a lot of games together for the under-21s, especially last season,” he said.

“We have that chemistry and connection. It’s just a shame he had to come off.”

Musanhi already has international experience to draw upon, having represented Zimbabwe at senior level and featured against South Africa at the 2025 COSAFA Cup.

“It was about being able to adapt to how they play, in different climates,” he said.

“I really enjoyed it. The people there are lovely, really nice.”