Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE clock is ticking down to Zimbabwe’s highly anticipated continental challenge, and the focus of the nation is squarely fixed on the Warriors’ preparations. Their captain, the uncompromising Marvelous Nakamba, would undoubtedly have preferred to be on the dusty touchline in Hwange this weekend, watching the next wave of local talent chase their dreams at the junior tournament he proudly sponsors. Duty, however, calls the Luton Town midfielder elsewhere. He is currently locked in rigorous national team preparations as Zimbabwe fine-tunes for its immense Africa Cup of Nations test in Morocco.
Nakamba’s foundation is staging a vibrant, two-day Under-17 tournament which kicks off in Hwange today, but the skipper himself will instead be fulfilling his primary commitment: leading the Warriors at the continental finals.
Zimbabwe opens its Group B campaign with a heavyweight clash against the formidable Pharaohs of Egypt at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir on December 22. At 31, Nakamba leads a squad built upon a compelling blend of seasoned international experience and raw, electric youth — a balance he clearly believes is absolutely critical, both on the professional pitch and for nurturing talent beyond it.
One of the most inspiring figures currently living that very journey is Prosper “Kante” Padera, a direct product of the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation Under-17 tournament itself. The pint-sized central midfielder, who earned the Player of the Tournament accolade in 2022, instantly caught the eye of eager scouts — a pivotal moment that opened the doors to Europe. He now plies his trade for the Finnish side SJK Seinajoki. The 19-year-old MAJESA Academy graduate has been spending significant time immersed in the Warriors camp, eagerly soaking up lessons from the very man he once watched with awe from the stands.
Padera confirmed that the learning process is continuous and priceless.
“Nakamba has played at the top for a very long time and he has vast knowledge of the game, he is always teaching me discipline.”
He added that the captain’s advice is simple yet profound.
“He wants me to be myself and to also enjoy the game,” Padera told the Zimpapers Sports Hub. The young midfielder credited the skipper’s commitment to development, noting: “The national team captain is also passionate about football development, that’s why his foundation hosts an Under 17 tournament which I also used as a springboard back in 2022 when I was still with MAJESA Academy.”
His message to the hopeful participants in Hwange was one of encouragement.
“So I just want to say good luck to the boys who will play at this year’s tournament in Hwange. I played at this tournament and that was my breakthrough, so I want to urge the boys to give their all because you don’t know who will be watching you. Maybe some of the boys will get a chance to go for trials in Europe through this tournament.”
Padera also credited Nakamba’s distinct leadership style, describing it as both firm and admirably grounded.
“I would safely say Nakamba is one of the people who made me who I am today but he remains humble.”
He concluded with pride.
“It’s good to be playing with him at the Warriors,” he said.
Ten dedicated teams will compete at the 2025 Marvelous Nakamba Foundation Under-17 tournament, which runs at the Chakona Stadium in Hwange. The strong field includes Scottland Academy, GG, Njube Spurs, Highlanders, Biya and Friends, Nkayi Academy, Ponel Academy, Dinde, Hwange Select, and Victoria Falls’ Golden Lions.
For Nakamba, the staging of the annual event is deeply personal.
“It’s my own way of giving back to a community that raised me,” Nakamba, who was born in Hwange, told the Zimpapers Sports Hub. He underlined the significance of the competition: “The future of Zimbabwean football lies in these young boys.”
Expressing his regret at missing the action, he added: “I would have loved to watch them play but as you are aware we are preparing for the AFCON finals. But all the same I would like to wish all the teams participating some good luck.”
His final, heartfelt instructions to the aspiring athletes were clear.
“To the young boys I would like to urge them to remain focused. One day some of them will also play for the national team. Don’t give yourselves pressure, this is a chance to showcase your talent. Stay away from drugs and keep working hard,” added Nakamba, demonstrating that even as he leads the nation on the continental stage, his focus remains firmly fixed on developing Zimbabwe’s football future.
