Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS’ captain Marvelous Nakamba is confident he made the right move for his career after swapping Luton Town for Sheffield Wednesday.
Nakamba spoke to Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday after completing his move on Monday.
The midfielder, a key figure in Luton’s fairy-tale rise to the English Premier League, joins a Wednesday side anchored at the foot of the English Championship.
Speaking exclusively after putting pen to paper on a short-term deal until the end of the season, Nakamba radiated optimism about his sudden change of scenery.
“My conversation with the manager was very positive,” Nakamba said, referring to Wednesday’s boss Danny Rohl.
“He showed me the project, and I believe in it. I know the situation the club is in, but for me, it’s a positive challenge.
“I want to bring my energy, my experience, and help the team fight.
“We have a young squad and I hope my leadership can guide them.”
The scale of that challenge is historic.
Sheffield Wednesday currently sit on -7 points, a full 40 points from safety with only 17 matches remaining.
Survival would require one of the greatest escapes in English football history.
Nakamba’s move was facilitated by a mutual termination of his contract with Luton Town, where he had become a peripheral figure this season.
He leaves Kenilworth Road with nothing but fondness.
“Luton will always have a special place in my heart,” said Nakamba.
“The fans, the staff, my teammates, we achieved something incredible together.
“I am so proud of my part in that journey to the Premier League. But now, my focus is 100% here, on helping Sheffield Wednesday.” He added:
“I am not here to just see out the season.
“I am here to make an impact, to help change the story. This is a great club with amazing supporters, and we must fight for them, every single minute.”
Sheffield Wednesday’s pursuit of Nakamba was driven by a desperate need for proven quality and tenacity in the centre of the park.
The club had to first sell a player to meet financial regulations before securing the free agent.
Manager Rohl is banking on Nakamba’s aggressive ball-winning, tactical discipline, and big-game experience from Premier League appearances with Aston Villa and his role as captain of Zimbabwe.
“Marvelous is exactly the type of character we need,” Röhl said in a club statement.
“He has fought at the highest level and knows what it takes to win difficult matches. His mentality and professionalism will be vital for us in the coming weeks.”
Mathew Masinge
Am I the only person who thinks Nakamba is overrated? If he was such a good player, why can’t he attract attention from better clubs even in the lower leagues? I have watched him play on several occasions and have come to believe that he is just ordinary. I may be wrong but a lot of teams see it the same way hence they aren’t looking at him.