Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
NETHERLANDS based Young Warriors midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is living his dream in Europe, where he plays for top league side Vitesse and is confident that he will continue in 2016 on a positive spell.

The 21-year-old central midfielder has played 18 competitive matches for his fifth placed side in the 2015-16 season, including two UEFA Europa League playoffs against English side Southampton.

Nakamba who was in the country for the festive holiday, left Bulawayo for Netherlands on Saturday.

“The 2015-16 season has been good so far because I’ve only missed one league match out of 17 due to suspension. I can say my batteries are fully recharged after this holiday and I’m looking forward to completing my season on a bright note. I missed my family and friends but now I’m going back to work and hopefully help the team get some silverware as well as qualify for UEFA Europa League again,” said Nakamba.

The former Bantu Rovers promising star is in his second season of his four year deal with Vitesse whom he joined at the start of the 2013-14 season from French side AS Nancy.

Nakamba attributed hard work, discipline and self belief for his newly found lease of life.

“Discipline, dedication and self belief are key to the success of any footballer. Sometimes you also need to be patient because there are instances where one is disciplined and works hard at training but the opportunity to play doesn’t come. I was a benchwarmer for a while but now it’s my turn to play and show that I deserve to be in the team which is what I’m doing.

“It all started in the last six months of last season when I began to feature from the bench. I believe I’m being rewarded for the great amount of work that I put at training and on match days. I think the most challenging thing now is to keep my starting place because there are others on the bench who are waiting to get the opportunity so I’ve to stay at the top of my game. The Vitesse fans have also been supportive, remember they voted me as their August Player of the Month. Because I don’t want to disappoint the fans, the coach and my teammates I’ve to continue working hard,” said Nakamba.

The former Njube High School pupil leaves Netherlands with his team for a 10-day mid-season camp in Spain today. Nakamba remains hopeful of returning to the senior national team.

He earned his first senior national team cap in June, coming from the bench in Warriors’ 2-1 away win against Malawi in the opening match of the 2017 Africa Cup of nations qualifier.

“I’ll continue working hard and I know that I’ll be rewarded with a national team call up soon. It’s every player’s dream to play for the national team and I want to be part of the squad that will guide Zimbabwe to the 2017 Afcon finals,” said Nakamba.

You Might Also Like

Comments