Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MARVELOUS NAKAMBA is over the moon after one of the players he helped unearth by providing the platform, Prosper Padera made the cut for the Africa Cup of Nations-bound Warriors squad.
The final 28-man travelling team for the month-long Morocco fiesta that kicks off on December 21 was named by coach Marian “Mario” Marinica yesterday with Udinese star Jordan Zemura and Wolves’ Mar-shall Munetsi missing out due to injury concerns.
While the composition of the team triggered mixed reactions, as is always the case, there wasn’t any aorta of doubt on the inclusion of gritty Finland-based midfielder Padera.
And it is Warriors captain Nakamba who is wearing the widest of smiles as he is the one that provided the young midfielder with the stage from which he was scouted to begin his professional journey.
Padera sparkled for Mutare-based MAJESA Academy which he captained during the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation Under-17 tournament at the White City Stadium in Bulawayo in 2022.
The midfielder inspired MAJESA to the crown upon which he was noticed by former Southampton star Dexter Blackstone, who whisked him to his Prime Time Academy before eventually taking him to the Finnish top-flight.
And three years after handing him the platform to flourish Nakamba will line-up alongside the young player, who has always said he is inspired by the Luton Town man.
Nakamba said: “It’s always a good feeling to see a youngster like Padera making it into the AFCON team.
“The youngster is proving to be a gem and I like his humility more than anything else. He is someone who likes to learn. He is always asking the senior guys on how to perfect certain aspects of his game.
“To be honest, I am not surprised that he has made the cut in the final travelling squad. Padera is a hard-working player with a clear vision. He knows exactly what he wants and I am glad he has been noticed.
“I think I am not surprised with his selection. From the day I first saw him playing in 2022, I could see that he was destined for greatness.
“I am not even surprised with how soon the Warriors call up has come for him. This is because he is a player who is willing to put in the work and he is always up for the grind. Even when you see him training in Fin-land, you can tell that he is a player that can break through into any league in this world any time. The AFCON will be another stage for him to shine.”
And Nakamba will this weekend provide yet another stage for other youngsters when he holds the second edition of the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation tournament in Hwange.
Over 10 teams including Scottland, Highlanders and Njube Spurs are set to battle it out for supremacy in this showdown.
“The youngsters are closer to my heart. I want to give them the platform, as much as I can, to shine and be recognised just like what happened with Padera,” said Nakamba.
“I am a product of academy football and I know how important it is for players to be caught young. I am eager to see every kid realising their dream. I am here to help them surmount all the hurdles and be the stars they are supposed to be.”
Nakamba will head straight to the AFCON after the tournament in Hwange and he has since promised that Zimbabwe will do well this time around.
For the past five times the Warriors have played at the AFCON, they have failed to break beyond the group stages.
Zimbabwe are in Group B along with Egypt, South Africa and Angola and they will need at least four points to stand a chance to progress to the Round-of-16 at the 24-team jamboree.
