Nakamba growing in stature at Luton Town

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE International midfielder Marvelous Nakamba received yet another start for his Sky Bet Championship side, Luton Town as they played out to a 1-1 draw away against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Nakamba played 90 minutes of the encounter as they conceded a penalty in the late stage of the game to make it 13 draws this season. Alfie Doughty put Luton ahead in the 51st minute before Amad Diallo levelled the score line from the spot with just four minutes left of regulation time.

The Hatters, as Luton is known, are playoff hopefuls and are sitting in fourth position with 64 points from 38 matches. Burnley are top of the table with 83 points from as many games.

Nakamba joined the Championship side on transfer deadline day having been told by Aston Villa boss Unai Emery that he was free to leave the club as he was not in the managers’ plans. He made his debut for the Hatters as 62nd minute substitute in their 1-0 victory over Stoke City on February 4.

Since he moved to Luton Town, the Zimbabwean has played nine matches, starting in eight of them. Of those encounters, Luton have won five, drawn three and lost one.

While he is yet to have any shots on target and has no assists thus far, Nakamba averages 32 passes per match with a pass completion rate of 76 percent. He has been smart in his defensive midfield role with just one yellow card to his name.

Next up for Nakamba and Luton Town is a home fixture against Watford at Kenilworth Road in the English Football League Championship on April 1.

The Zimbabwean is now a dependable member of Rob Edwards’ squad as they push for promotion into the English Premier League. One loss since Nakamba’s arrival shows just how effective the Zimbabwean midfield kingpin has been in shielding the Luton Town backline.

It remains to be seen whether Nakamba goes back to Villa Park where he is still contracted till June next year or stays put at Kenilworth Road where he has regained his mojo next season. — @innocentskizoe