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Langton Nyakwenda, [email protected]
WARRIORS captain Marvelous Nakamba has been interacting extensively with several Zimbabwean players who were raised in the United Kingdom, particularly in England.
Through these engagements, Nakamba has developed a stronger appreciation of just how deeply these players value their fatherland.
While a significant number of this so called British Brigade have gradually been integrated into Zimbabwe’s national team set up over the years, several others remain eager and hopeful of one day pulling on the Warriors jersey.
Nakamba, who plays club football for English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, is convinced the Warriors’ upcoming tour of the United Kingdom will further inspire Zimbabwean players scattered across England and neighbouring countries.
The Warriors are set to travel to England next month to take part in the four nation Unity Cup tournament, which will also feature African powerhouse Nigeria, Jamaica and India.
The tournament, scheduled for May 26–31, will be staged at The Valley Stadium in London, the home ground of English League One outfit Charlton Athletic.
Zimbabwe will face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in one of the semi finals, while the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica will square off against India in the other contest.
“Time is flying and the United Kingdom tour is fast approaching. I have been talking to a number of players here and they are really excited about this tournament. We have a lot good and upcoming players here including the likes of Menzi Mazwi who plays for Birmingham.
They are really excited,” Nakamba told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
The 32 year old central midfielder featured for the final 20 minutes as relegation threatened Sheffield Wednesday held log leaders Coventry City to a goalless draw at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Saturday.
He was rated 6.4 for his performance.
Nakamba must now focus on Sheffield Wednesday’s final four matches of the season before turning his attention to the Warriors’ Unity Cup clash against Nigeria in London.
The Unity Cup comes at a timely moment, with several Warriors regulars such as Tawanda Chirewa having recovered from injury.
Chirewa has returned to training with English League One outfit Barnsley.
According to Nakamba, the midfielder is relishing the prospect of the four nation tournament.
“I was with him (Chirewa), he says he is happy to be back to full fitness and is looking forward to the Unity Cup after missing the Mukuru 4 Nations Cup in Botswana. There are a lot of talented youngsters of Zimbabwean origin in the UK and I am sure this upcoming tournament can inspire them more,” said Nakamba.
The Warriors’ tour of the United Kingdom will also provide national team coach Marian Marinica with another opportunity to assess Zimbabwean players who were either born or raised in Europe.
Earlier this year, the Romanian tactician toured Europe, holding meetings with several Zimbabwean players, including Motherwell forward Tawanda Maswanhise.
The long term plan is to systematically integrate eligible diaspora based talent into the Warriors set up.
Among the Zimbabwean players either born or raised in the diaspora with the potential to represent the Warriors are 20 year old Norwich City left back Lucien Mahovo, Zanda Siziba (York United, Canada), Lee Ndlovu (Notts County), Shumaira Mheuka (Chelsea) and Leon Chiwome (Wolves).
Online Reporter