NAKAMBA GIVES NEES HIS SEAL OF APPROVAL

Eddie Chikamhi

Senior Sports Reporter

WARRIORS skipper Marvelous Nakamba is back and has already been impressed by new coach Michael Nees.

He told Zimpapers Sports Hub that he was excited to be back to lead the team in the back-to-back matches against Namibia.

The England-based midfielder missed the goalless draws against Kenya and Cameroon last month, as he battled an injury.

Having joined the Zimbabwe camp in Johannesburg late on Monday, Nakamba was part of the training session yesterday.

He has been impressed by Nees.

“I think he is speaking with each and everyone in the squad, trying to push each and every player.

“He is giving everything; every time we are having some meetings to try and help each other.

“The coach likes to play, likes to keep the ball, so we just have to keep on following instructions from the coach,” said Nakamba.

He added:

“I’m delighted to be back in the national team.

“We have just finished our second training session of the day. Everyone is pushing each other in the camp, everyone is giving everything to fight for the badge and for the country.

“Of course, we have some new young players coming in.

“They are very good, we are helping each other with the senior guys trying to accommodate them, to give them whichever advice they need.

“We are a group, we are family, we are together and it’s good also to see the youngsters coming up and giving everything.”

Zimbabwe play Namibia tomorrow at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, before returning to the same venue next Monday, technically as hosts, for the reverse fixture.

“Of course, we always give our best to try and get positive results in each and every game. With the first two games, I think the guys did well.

“They did their best and, of course, we are now looking forward to the upcoming two games.

“The last two games are now water under the bridge, we just have to focus on the coming two games against Namibia,” said Nakamba.

The Warriors however, will play Namibia behind closed doors tomorrow after the opponents were granted the request since they cited lack of funds to engage stadium security.

“The fans should just have to keep supporting the boys. We really need them and I think as a unit, and together as a team, of course, we have a chance to achieve something positive,” said Nakamba.