Bruce Chikuni
MARVELOUS Nakamba’s father, Atony, is a heartbroken man after Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem were relegated from the Eredivisie.
They fell victim to a boardroom decision, which saw them being docked 18 points.
The Dutch outfit gave Marvelous a chance to showcase his talents.
“Everyone in the family is very upset because Vitesse gave us hope and they made Marvelous the player he is today.
“The fact that he received his first national team call-up, while playing for this side, is something which can never be erased in his career,’’ Antony said.
Marvelous could, in fact, suffer a double blow should Luton fail to wriggle themselves out of the English Premiership relegation zone.
The Warriors skipper has been a long-term injury casualty.
He sustained a knee injury in November last year during the World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Rwanda.
Marvelous was at Vitesse when he broke into the Warriors during the 2015/16 season.
But, when the Dutch Football Association deducted 18 points from them last week, it automatically sealed their fate as they were already battling for survival in the drop zone.
This development also ends their 35-year romance with the Eredivisie.
Vitesse were brutally punished for violating the Dutch football licencing system.
The club was also accused of submitting incorrect half-yearly financial figures and their inability to demonstrate that they did not have ties with former Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich.
Now, Antony Nakamba and his family will be praying that Luton manage to secure, at least nine points out of the available 12, in order to escape relegation.
Marvelous’ deal with Luton runs until 2026.
“Even after he left to join Club Brugge in Belgium, we never stopped from watching and attending their games whenever we were in Europe.
“I don’t know what really led to this but as a family it’s really disappointing for us.
“Marvelous is getting ready for action, that’s what we are hearing from the team and we just hope they will find a way to remain in the EPL.
“It’s also our hope that Marvelous will be fit to help the Warriors in the coming World Cup qualifiers.’’