BULAWAYO – Zimbabwe national team captain Marvelous Nakamba has announced plans to organise football trials in Europe for three talented youngsters from his Njube neighbourhood in Bulawayo, after being impressed by their potential.
The Luton Town defensive midfielder is determined to create pathways for young players from his community to play football abroad, giving them the same opportunities that helped shape his own professional career.
Among the three selected players are Thabile Zulu and Michael Tembo, both aged 16, who currently play for Njube Spurs, a club sponsored by Nakamba.
Zulu recently represented Zimbabwe at the COSAFA Under-17 Championship, while Tembo featured in the COSSASA games held in Eswatini in August.
The trial opportunity was revealed on Sunday as Njube Spurs U-17 were crowned champions of the ZIFA Bulawayo Province Junior League.
“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,” a Njube Spurs official said.
Club officials also expressed their gratitude to the former Aston Villa midfielder for his continued support of the team and the local community.
Nakamba has been sponsoring Njube Spurs since its formation in 2017, using the project as a platform to develop young talent and steer youth away from drug and substance abuse.
He personally covers all the team’s logistics, including food, transport, and referee fees on match days.
During the off-season, he often takes time to watch the youngsters play and monitor their progress firsthand.
