Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE captain and Luton Town midfielder, Marvelous Nakamba, says he could have gone to fancy destinations for his off-season holiday, but he chose to come back to Zimbabwe, because he wanted to experience the hype now associated with the local Premier Soc-cer League.
Nakamba has watched a couple of local matches, including the one featuring CAPS United and defending champions Simba Bhora at Rufaro last weekend. a
The former Aston Villa player was also in attendance when Scottland played Chicken Inn at the same venue last Friday.
Nakamba told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday that he is relishing the highly-anticipated clash between log leaders MWOS and Scottland at Ngoni tomorrow.
The arrival of new boys MWOS and Scottland, whose professional approach to the game has enchanted many, has rekindled interest in the local Premiership.
Games involving the two teams are drawing huge crowds and their clash in Norton tomorrow is already sold out.
“I was reading about this hype when I was in England and I told myself I needed to experience this first hand,” Nakamba said.
“This hype, which has largely been brought about by these new teams like Scottland, Simba Bhora and MWOS is healthy for the local game and for the national team in the long run.
“So, credit goes to sponsors of these teams, also to my brother Scott Sakupwanya, for reviving the game,” he said.
The 31-year-old central midfielder also attended the unveiling of Zimbabwe’s squad for two high-profile friendlies against Burkina Faso and Niger in Morocco next week.
Strangely, Zimbabwe football giants CAPS United and Highlanders do not have a single player in that squad.
Dynamos have one, Emmanuel Jalai.
Nakamba thinks this is a cause for concern.
“Things have not been rosy at the big clubs, but I am sure they will rise because traditional giants will always find a way to rise again.
“When these giants are firing from all cylinders, the Premiership reverberates, and this then becomes good for our football as a country.”
The former Club Brugge star has been an advocate for brand Zimbabwe, often encouraging his European teammates to visit the country. In July 2023, Nakamba persuaded his erstwhile skipper at Aston Villa, John McGinn, to visit Victoria Falls and the Scot was impressed with what he witnessed at the world heritage site.
“It’s great to be here in Victoria Falls.
“It is very wet and it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.
“I am very excited; I will tell my teammates about this place. I am very fortunate to be here, the people of Zimbabwe have welcomed us well and I will tell everyone back home how we have been welcomed here and that they are big fans of the EPL,” McGinn was quoted back in 2023. Yesterday, Nakamba pledged to invite more European footballers to come to Zimbabwe “and enjoy the beauty of our country.”
“I can’t disclose names, but I have already spoken to some European stars who want to come down here and experience Zimbabwe this off-season.
“I could have gone to visit fancy destinations in Europe and the Arab world, but this time I chose to come back home because I feel I need to promote my country.
“Besides, the local PSL is vibing and I also wanted to experience it first hand”.
