Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba is not just focused on his performance in the English EFL League One for Luton Town.
More than just a tenacious midfielder, the midfielder is the ambitious architect of the nation’s football future, driven by a deep, personal commitment to ensure no young talent is left behind.
Through the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation (MNF), the Hwange born player is transforming his passion for junior development into tangible success, most notably through his annual MNF Youth Invitational Under-17 Football Tournament.
Nakamba, whose humble beginnings mirror the aspirations of many young hopefuls, is determined to ensure that more underprivileged players get the early exposure needed to make it at the professional level.
The clearest testament to the Foundation’s impact is the rise of Prosper Padera. Padera, who played for Majesa Academy of Mutare and helped them win the inaugural MNF Under-17 tournament in 2021 by defeating Highlanders juniors, is now a full-fledged Warrior.
Padera’s dream came full circle last month when he lined up next to his idol, Nakamba, during the Warriors’ friendly match against Qatar in the Middle East.
The moment was highly emotional for both.
Padera captured the feeling on social media, posting a picture with Nakamba captioned, “Dreams come true.”
The former tournament winner now plies his trade in Europe for Finnish Veikkausliiga club SJK Seinäjoki, confirming the Foundation’s ability to create a clear pathway to professional football.
“To be honest, I’m very excited that at least one player from that effort is playing at this level. Having him besides me meant a lot to me. I wish that goes to inspire many more juniors,” Nakamba said, his voice filled with pride over Padera’s journey.
Both players have been named in the Warriors provisional squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, a potential feel-good story that could see the pair share the dressing room in Zimbabwe’s quest to go beyond the group stages for the first time ever.
While Nakamba’s charitable works, which include paying school and examination fees for underprivileged children and working to revamp Hwange Hospital, have earned him recognition from President Emmerson Mnangagwa, it is his commitment to junior football development that truly burns bright.
Nakamba’s vision is expansive.
He wants to produce a continuous stream of “Paderas,” young players who can develop professionally, play in Europe, and carry the Warriors torch long after the current generation of senior players retires.
“My wish is to produce more Paderas, players who will carry on the torch long after this current generation have exited the stage. My vision is to see many Zimbabwe players developing and turning professional, and just like Padera and i, playing in Europe,” he said.
This year, the MNF Youth Invitational Football Tournament is heading home.
The annual event, set for December 13th and 14th, will be held in Hwange, the coal mining town where Nakamba’s career first began.
This year’s edition is set to be the biggest yet, with at least 10 teams confirmed including Njube Spurs Academy, Hwange FC, Dete FC, Binga Academy, Victoria Falls Academy, Scottland Academy, G.G. Academy, Biya Academy, Highlanders FC, and Nkayi Football Academy.
This geographical spread ensures that talent from underserved areas gets the crucial visibility needed to secure a professional future.
Choosing Hwange is a personal decision for Nakamba, tying the event back to the star’s earliest memories of the game.
“Charity begins at home,” said the former Aston Villa player. “It all started there, my father played for Zesa Hwange now Megawatt and Hwange FC. As a kid, I had my first kick around in Dinde in Hwange, it’s a great thing to give back and hopefully inspire a kid or two. We would like to contribute to making Hwange great as a football and sporting town.”
Developing football talent from the ground up requires continuous resources, infrastructure, and institutional support, something Nakamba cannot shoulder alone.
He has issued an appeal to the government, businesses, and individuals for support.
“I urge the government, corporates and other sponsors to partner with us not only to make this tournament a success, but to help with the bigger picture of developing football in the country,” he said.
Nakamba is hopeful that his efforts and investment will ensure that the wellspring of local talent never runs dry, securing a brighter, more professional future for the Warriors and the countless young hopefuls looking up to him.
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