Chronicle Editor
Harare Bureau
AFTER missing the start of the 2025 Afcon qualifying campaign, Warriors skipper, Marvelous Nakamba is excited to return to lead the Zimbabwe national team in crucial back-to-back matches against Namibia at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
The England-based midfielder, who was still trying to recover fully from a long-term knee injury when Zimbabwe played identical goalless draws against Kenya and powerhouses Cameroon last month, yesterday said the Warriors should build from the potential they demonstrated in those games.
Having joined the Zimbabwe camp in Johannesburg late on Monday, Nakamba was part of the training session yesterday under new Warriors coach Michael Nees, whom he was meeting for the first time.
“I’m delighted to be back in the national team,” he said after yesterday’s afternoon workout.
“We have just finished our second training session of the day. Everyone is pushing each other in camp, everyone is giving everything to fight for the badge and the country.
“Of course, we have some new young players coming in. They are very good, and we are helping each other with the senior guys to accommodate them and give them whatever advice they need.
“We are a group, we are family, we are together and it’s good to also see the youngsters coming up and giving everything.”
Zimbabwe still fancy their chances of qualifying for the 2025 Afcon finals to be held in Morocco, after salvaging two points from the opening two matches played in Uganda last month against Kenya and five-time African champions Cameroon.
Kenya and Cameroon, who cancel each other in similar back-to-back contests, occupy the top two spots in Group J with four points apiece.
But things could change in a big way at the end of the duels. Zimbabwe play Namibia tomorrow before returning to the same venue on Monday, technically as hosts for the return leg.
“Of course, we always give our best to try and get positive results in every game. With the first two games, I think the guys did well.
“They did their best and, of course, we are now looking forward to the upcoming two games. The last two games are now water under the bridge, we just have to focus on the coming two games against Namibia,” said Nakamba.
He has also been impressed by new coach Nees.
“I think he is speaking with everyone in the squad trying to push every player. I think he is there for the players.
“He is giving everything every time we have meetings to try and help each other. The coach likes to play, likes to keep the ball, so we have to just follow his instructions,” said Nakamba.
Online Reporter