Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NOT only has he been to his favourite barber, Baggio Chifuwo, who is based at Newlands in Harare, Warriors skipper Marvelous Nakamba has also been utilising his holiday to watch several Premier Soccer League matches.
The Sheffield Wednesday midfielder has been to Mbare, Zvishavane, Shamva and Bulawayo following the local Premiership.
The former Aston Villa star has also visited the state-of-the-art football facility under construction in Ruwa, courtesy of businessman and legislator Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya.
Once completed, the School of Excellence in Ruwa will cost at least US$30 million and will include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a gym, restaurant and conference centre.
“It has been a tight schedule for me since I returned from England. I have to watch local Premier Soccer League games, meet family members and friends.
“I also had to visit my favourite barber at Newlands!” said Nakamba with a chuckle.
Away from the salon, Nakamba watched several top PSL matches, including FC Platinum versus Scottland at Mandava.
He also watched the Harare derby between Dynamos and CAPS United three weeks ago and was at Barbourfields where Highlanders drew goalless against Ngezi Platinum Stars last Sunday.
“The standards of play are rising and there are a number of young players coming up. Competition is now stiffer. New teams like Hardrock have added some spice to the league,” Nakamba said.
Kwekwe-based Hardrock top the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table after 13 rounds of action. They have 27 points, the same tally as CAPS United, but the Midlands side enjoys a healthier goal difference.
“I have also noticed that local fans are now more interested in the local league. There was a good crowd at Mandava when FC Platinum hosted Scottland.
“I was stunned when I entered Rufaro for the Harare derby. The crowd was awesome,” revealed Nakamba.
The Zimbabwe national team skipper will lead the Warriors at the Unity Cup that will run between May 26 and 31 at the Vitality Stadium in London, England.
African giants Nigeria, Jamaica and India will also be part of the four-nation tournament.
“This is a great opportunity for Zimbabwean players to market themselves in front of different scouts from different places,” Nakamba said.
“I strongly believe Zimbabwe has the capacity to produce more quality players for export.”
Having also benefited from well-established football systems during his rise, Nakamba sees Sakupwanya’s Ruwa project as a game-changer.
“The facility is awesome, it’s world-class.
“I have played for several teams in Europe and I have been exposed to some top-notch facilities and I believe the one I saw in Ruwa is up there.
“I am sure in the near future, good players will be discovered and nurtured for export at this facility.
“I have been chuffed by Sakupwanya’s bold declaration that he wants to conquer Africa. With what I saw, Scottland can end up being a dominant force on the continent,” added Nakamba.
The Warriors skipper’s contract with relegated Sheffield Wednesday is expiring at the end of this season and he has been coy about his next move.
“Let’s wait see, something is coming up soon,” he told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
