Nakamba fit for Warriors

Zimbabwean captain Marvelous Nakamba has declared himself fit and ready for national duty, despite a brief appearance as a late substitute in Luton Town's 1-0 win over Cardiff City in the English Championship on Wednesday. The 30-year-old midfielder is expected back in Zimbabwe on Sunday, joining the Warriors for their crucial Group J Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Kenya next Friday at Polokwane's Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The Warriors need just a point to secure their place at the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco. Nakamba, who missed the last two qualifiers against Namibia due to a knee injury, is eager to lead Zimbabwe in the decisive match. "It's always great to play for your nation, especially at this juncture when we have a big chance to qualify for the AFCON finals," he told Zimpapers Sports Hub.

Coach Michael Nees has called up a strong 23-man squad, including 16 foreign-based players. Notable inclusions are Nantes striker Tinotenda Kadewere, back from injury, and FC Copenhagen defender Munashe Garananga, who returns after an ankle injury. Seven locally-based players have also been named, including Simba Bhora striker Tymon Machope, Martin Mapisa (Dynamos), Godknows Murwira (CAPS United), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Walter Musona (Simba Bhora), and Khama Billiat (Yadah FC).

Nakamba emphasized the importance of local players to the Warriors' lineup, acknowledging recent developments in Zimbabwe's Premier Soccer League. The league has seen new, well-financed teams like Simba Bhora, which secured a historic championship win on Wednesday, as well as Division One clubs attracting support from influential investors like Richard Wangu of Wangu Mazodze and Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya of Scottland FC.

Nakamba praised these investments, noting how they can transform the lives of Zimbabwean players. "Players have a short career, and they need to maximize those few years at their peak. Motivation is key in football, and players also need incentives to perform well," said Nakamba. He commended Scott Sakupwanya for providing substantial support to players, including Division One incentives like Toyota Aqua cars and a $10,000 reward per player if Scottland FC gains promotion to the PSL.

Ahead of Scottland FC's Friday game, Nakamba took to X to express his gratitude to Sakupwanya. "To the owner, Scott Sakupwanya, thank you for uplifting, supporting, and changing lives for the players and not forgetting the help you give to the national team," Nakamba posted on Wednesday evening.

With Nakamba's leadership and the strong squad assembled by Nees, Zimbabwe fans hope to see the Warriors secure their place at AFCON 2025 and build on recent momentum in both national and local football.

Warriors squad

GOALKEEPERS: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Martin Mapisa (Dynamos)

DEFENDERS: Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Jordan Zemura (Udinese)

MIDFIELDERS: Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City), Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum)

FORWARDS: Tinotenda Kadewere (FC Nantes), Khama Billiat (Yadah FC), Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora), Prince Dube (Young Africans), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Supersport United), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Walter Musona (Simba Bhora), Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City)