admin
Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
NETHERLANDS-based Young Warriors midfielder Marvelous Nakamba has set his sights on commanding a regular starting place at Vitesse after playing two Europa League play-offs against English side Southampton.
His Dutch topflight league side were knocked out of the European clubs’ tournament on Thursday night after going down 0-2 at home. They had lost the first leg 0-3, but the Young Warriors star speaks highly about starring in both games.
“Last season I made a number of appearances coming from the bench but it seems I’ve started my season on a bright note as I’ve started and finished both Europa League play-offs against Southampton. I’m disappointed that we’re out of the tournament but I’m happy with the experience and exposure that I’ve gained. I think the next step is to being a regular in the league and play more games,” said Nakamba.
By featuring in the Europa League play-offs, the former Bantu Rovers midfielder has joined Zimbabwe’s list of elite footballers to play at the tournament who include legendary goalkeeper Bruce Grobelaar, Kennedy Chihuri, Norman Mapeza, Musa Mguni and Costa Nhamoinesu.
The 21-year-old Nakamba who joined the Dutch side last year from France’s AS Nancy, made eight substitute appearances for Vitesse in the 2014-15, is happy with the progress that he has made since his arrival.
“I think last season it was more about me getting to understand the culture at Vitesse, the style of play and what the coach wanted. I’m happy with the way I’ve developed as a player in the 12 months that I’ve spent at the club. Being part of a Vitesse team that made it for Europa League, playing the two qualifiers is sheer evidence of the hard work that I’ve put through during the pre-season. Last season I sat on the bench for most of the games but this time around, I’ve told myself that I need to work hard and make sure that I don’t get relegated to the bench,” said Nakamba.
Vitesse open their 2015-16 league account with an away tie against Willem II tomorrow.
The former Njube High School pupil also expressed disappointment at the Young Warriors’ failure to progress to the CAF African Under-23 Championships that could have led the team to next year’s Olympics.
“Obviously I’m disappointed that the Young Warriors were knocked out but I believe the guys did their best. We’ve a fairly good side and what’s needed is for Zifa to organise friendly matches during Fifa calendar dates so that we get used to playing together. I’m really looking forward to representing my country in the next assignments, provided I’m still in the coaches’ plans,” Nakamba said.
Online Reporter