Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS captain Marvelous Nakamba and highly-rated forward Tawanda Chirewa are expected to join camp tomorrow.
The Warriors are in camp for the 2025 AFCON finals set to run from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco.
New coach Marian “Super Mario” Marinica has gathered a core group he believes can fit into his “fast and very fast” style, a philosophy he hopes will finally steer the Warriors into the Round of 16.
On Monday he praised the squad for their energy, commitment and willingness to buy into his methods. Two Europe-based players, Macauley Bonne and Cobert Chimedza (Jnr), have already checked in.
Nakamba and Chirewa will link up with the squad before camp takes a short break on Friday.
All players return on Sunday and four days later Marinica will reveal the final travelling group expected to leave for Morocco next week.
Nakamba carries the on-field responsibility of pushing Zimbabwe beyond the group stages but he has kept space for his passion project back home.
His Marvelous Nakamba Foundation has set up a 10-team Under-17 tournament in Hwange that kicks off just as the Warriors fly out.
The two-day festival will run from December 13 to 14 at the Colliery. For Nakamba, it is a chance to give young players the opening he almost never got.
“I know I could have been lost if Bantu Rovers had not picked my potential.
“It’s very easy to be lost when you do not find a platform to showcase yourself.
“All I want to do is give these youngsters a lifeline using football. Football is more than just a game, it’s a way of life. Those who can make it big from the tournament will do so while others will get sponsorship towards their academics.
“I am really happy to have managed to organise this tournament at a time when I am preparing to play in the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I am really motivated by the fact that we want to do well as Zimbabwe, to get past the group stages and be able to reach the Round of 16.”
He added: “I really believe we will do that with a bit of extra work during preparations and at the tournament. I am glad that the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation tournament will be held when we will be in the mood for the AFCON finals.
“It will push me to do better as a player knowing that there are youngsters looking up to me for inspiration.”
