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Mehluli Sibanda, Sports Editor
MARVELOUS Nakamba has saluted his Luton Town teammates as well as fans after the Zimbabwean midfielder picked up two individual awards within days.
On Saturday, Nakamba was named Luton Town’s Diamond Player of the Month for March. It was a tight contest, with the 29-year-old Zimbabwean beating defender Tom Lockyer by just two votes.
Nakamba, on loan until the end of the season from English Premier League side Aston Villa picked up 36 percent of the overall vote after playing every minute in March.
The Zimbabwean defensive midfielder was instrumental for the Hatters who went without a defeat last month and did not concede a single goal from open play.
“Thanks to my teammates and the fans, Hatters,” said Nakamba after picking up the Player of the Month accolade.
On Sunday, the Zimbabwean midfield kingpin played a crucial role in his team’s come from behind 3-1 victory over Blackpool at Kenilworth Road.
The Hatters conceded in the 29th minute but fought back to level matters through Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu just before the break. Mpanzu completed his brace in the 76th minute after Carlton Morris had put Luton ahead four minutes before that.
“Happy for the win at home in front of our fans. Thank you @CarltonJM @PellyMpanzu for the goals,’’ posted Nakamba after being named Man of the Match.
Since his January transfer deadline day move to the English Championship side, Nakamba has played all the 13 matches for the Rob Edwards-coached Hatters.
His debut came on February 4 in a 1-0 win over Stoke City when he was introduced in the 62nd minute for Allan Campbell. From then, he has always been in the starting line-up for Luton in subsequent league matches.
Just to show how much of a difference Nakamba has been for the Luton, the Hatters have only suffered one defeat since his arrival at Kenilworth Road, a 1-0 loss the already promoted Burnley at home on February 18.
With Nakamba doing a marvellous job of shielding the Luton rearguard, the Hatters have kept 10 away clean sheets in the Championship this season, something no Championship side has done in the 2022/23 period.
It is actually the first time the Hatters have ever reached double figures for away clean sheets in a Football League season in their history.
Luton are nine games unbeaten in the Championship and have only lost one game in the last 15. From a possible 30 points in 10 matches, they have collected an impressive 24.
The Hatters are third on the Championship with five matches to go. If they maintain their position in the top six come the end of the season, Nakamba and his teammates will have a shot at playing in the EPL via the playoffs.
Moving away from Villa Park has given Nakamba a perfect opportunity to reignite his career which had taken steps back due to not getting any game time at Aston Villa.
It will therefore come as no surprise if the Zimbabwean decides to stay put at Kenilworth Road.
He still has a contract with Aston Villa runs its course in June next year, which means he can negotiate to be released or Luton can buy him permanently.
A return to Aston Villa to fight for a place in the starting line-up is another option for Nakamba but that is unlikely as Unai Emery has already indicated that the Zimbabwean is not part of his plans, hence the decision for him to head out on loan to Luton. — @Mdawini_29
Online Reporter