Langton Nyakwenda
MARVELOUS NAKAMBA might have come on as a last minute substitute when Luton Town edged Cardiff City 1-0 in a Championship match on Wednesday night but the Zimbabwe captain has declared himself ready for national duty.
Nakamba is expected back in the country on Sunday, ahead of next Friday’s crucial Group J African Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya at Peter Mokaba in Polokwane.
He is part of a 23-man squad announced by coach Michael Nees yesterday.
“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,” Nakamba told Zimpapers Sport.
Nees has called in 16 foreign-based players, eight of which ply their trade in Europe.
Simba Bhora striker Tymon Machope is one of the seven home-based players in the Warriors set-up.
The Warriors skipper said he was happy with the huge financial investments in domestic football.
“Players have a short career and they need to maximise on those few years they are at their peak.
“So, it’s good to have people like Scott Sakupwanya ensuring players’ welfare is taken care of, more so in Division One football.
“I am happy for my fellow brothers for this rare opportunity they have been given.
“If we can have more teams like Scottland FC then the players’ lives will be transformed.
“Often times former players are blamed for not planning their future but in most cases what they earned was not enough to make future plans.
“Motivation is key in football and players also need incentives for them to perform well.”
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)