BULAWAYO – Zimbabwe Warriors captain and Luton Town midfielder Marvelous Nakamba has announced that he will be facilitating football trials in Europe for three talented youngsters from his hometown of Njube, Bulawayo — a gesture that has sparked excitement and renewed hope within the local football community.
The England-based star, known for his humility and consistent efforts to uplift young talent, said he was inspired by the skill and determination displayed by the teenagers during local competitions. Nakamba hopes that the experience will open international doors for the boys and give them the kind of exposure that once helped him achieve his own football dreams.
Among the selected players are Thabile Zulu and Michael Tembo, both 16 years old, who currently play for Njube Spurs, a junior club established and sponsored by Nakamba himself. The third youngster’s name is expected to be revealed soon, as club officials finalise travel and trial arrangements.
Zulu recently represented Zimbabwe at the COSAFA Under-17 Championship, while Tembo showcased his abilities at the COSSASA Games in Eswatini earlier this year. Their performances caught the attention of Nakamba, who was in constant communication with the team’s coaches and scouts during the tournaments.
Speaking after Njube Spurs Under-17s were crowned champions of the ZIFA Bulawayo Province Junior League on Sunday, a club official confirmed the exciting development.
“Marvelous Nakamba wants three of our boys to attend trials in Europe. We are yet to receive full details, but most likely the trials will take place in France,” the official said.
He added that the initiative has not only boosted the morale of the young players but has also inspired other aspiring footballers in the community to take the sport more seriously.
Nakamba’s long-term commitment to grassroots development has been evident since he founded the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation and began sponsoring Njube Spurs in 2017. The club has since become one of the most vibrant youth football projects in Bulawayo, producing players who have gone on to represent provincial and national teams.
Marvelous Nakamba to Send Three Njube Youngsters for European Football Trials
According to the foundation, Nakamba’s vision is to create a clear pathway from local football structures to professional opportunities abroad. He has repeatedly stated that his mission is to “give back to the community that raised me” and to ensure that no young talent goes unnoticed due to lack of resources or exposure.
“Marvelous has never forgotten where he came from,” said one Njube community leader. “He continues to invest in our children’s future through sport and education. What he’s doing goes beyond football — it’s about hope, discipline, and transformation.”
Nakamba’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond the pitch. Through his foundation, he has sponsored school fees for hundreds of students, refurbished sports facilities, and organised youth tournaments that attract scouts and coaches from across Zimbabwe and beyond.
For many young players in Njube, the European trial opportunity represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to follow in Nakamba’s footsteps. Before joining the English Premier League, Nakamba himself started from humble beginnings, honing his skills on dusty Bulawayo grounds before moving to France, where he played for Nancy, and later to the Netherlands, Belgium, and England.
Football analysts say Nakamba’s latest initiative could mark a turning point for Zimbabwean youth football if sustained support and proper structures are put in place.
“Exposure is everything in football,” said sports analyst Mkhokheli Ncube. “Nakamba understands that talent alone is not enough. These trials will not only test the boys’ abilities but also give them a glimpse of what professional football demands at the highest level.”
Njube Spurs coaches have praised Nakamba for maintaining close ties with the team despite his demanding schedule in England. They revealed that the midfielder regularly checks in on the club’s progress and ensures the young players have proper kits, training equipment, and transport for matches.
“He motivates the boys all the time,” said one coach. “They look up to him not just as a footballer but as a big brother and mentor. His support has changed lives here.”
Parents of the selected players also expressed deep gratitude, describing Nakamba’s gesture as life-changing. “We are beyond proud and thankful,” said Mrs. Zulu, Thabile’s mother. “Our children now believe that anything is possible through hard work and discipline.”
As preparations for the trials get underway, excitement continues to build in Njube and across Bulawayo’s football circles. Many believe Nakamba’s investment in youth talent is a shining example of how successful athletes can play a vital role in community development.
If all goes according to plan, the three boys will travel to Europe before the end of the year to showcase their skills before scouts from top clubs. Whether they make it or not, one thing is certain — Nakamba’s dream of transforming lives through football is already bearing fruit, inspiring a new generation of Zimbabwean stars to dream beyond the township fields of Njube.
Source- NehandaRadio
