Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE captain Marvelous Nakamba has insisted that he forced a deadline day move to insolvent English Championship table anchors Sheffield Wednesday not only to get more game time but due to the club’s rich history.
The 32-year-old defensive midfielder made the switch on the transfer deadline day on Monday from League One side Luton Town after spending three years at the Hatters.
He had initially moved to Luton Town on a loan deal from English Premiership side Aston Villa before making the move permanent upon the Hatters’ promotion into the top-flight.
However, things quickly moved southwards for Nakamba on his return to the Premier League. He endured a double relegation inside the past two seasons with Luton.
On a personal level things have also been particularly terrible for Nakamba with injuries continuously pegging him back during his last two seasons with Luton.
The former Club Brugge man has been back on his feet and featured in all the Warriors matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
But minutes had been hard to come by under Luton manager Jack Wilshere at Kenilworth Road.
With several clubs across Europe including in Belgium and the Netherlands reportedly registering their interests in taking the Zimbabwean aboard, Nakamba and Luton Town agreed to mutually terminate their marriage before he signed a six-month contract with Sheffield Wednesday.
However, Sheffield Wednesday, the same team that another Warriors player, Sean Fusire plays for, are currently under administration and in dire straits.
They are mathematically still harbouring their survival chances in the Championship but they are practically going down to League One at the end of the season by which time new owners are expected to have taken over.
An unassuming character, Nakamba said he did not consider all the negatives around Sheffield Wednesday, as he knows Championship football is bigger in status.
“There were so many offers that came my way from across Europe. I could also have stayed at Luton Town,” Nakamba said.
“But I considered a lot of factors. Sheffield Wednesday might be struggling but they are a big team with a lot of history. They have amazing fans and the level they are playing is bigger.
“I have been playing yes, here and there but a player obviously needs to be on the pitch consistently.
“This is what I put right up my mind before making my decision. I will be facing Championship competition and I guess it will be good for me. I know by the time the season comes to an end, I would have gained a lot in terms of the game itself and I will see what comes up thereafter.
“But to be honest, I really needed this move and to be in the Championship.
“I would like to salute Luton Town for the time I spent there. The team and staff have been tremendous and the supporters are incredible. I had a memorable time there,” Nakamba said.
Luton Town chief executive officer Gary Sweet also paid glowing tribute to Nakamba.
“Marvelous has been a huge part of our success, a special character who came to add real quality at the time we needed it to help us to promotion.
“He has been a pleasure to have around the Club, always smiling, even through some tough times personally with injury.
“Everyone at Luton Town thanks Marv for his contribution in his three years at Kenilworth Road, he will always be a welcome visitor, and we wish him every success for his future career.”
Nakamba and Fusire will be nearer to another Warriors player Tawanda Chirewa, who changed bases when moving on loan to League One side Barnsley from Premiership basement side Wolves.
