Story by Mthokozisi Dube
THREE Under-17 players from the Marvellous Nakamba-sponsored Njube Hotspurs Academy in Bulawayo are set to travel to Belgium next year for football trials, a milestone that underlines the academy’s growing impact in nurturing young Zimbabwean talent.
Established in 2017 by Warriors captain Marvellous Nakamba, Njube Hotspurs has grown into one of the country’s most promising grassroots football institutions, providing structured training and opportunities for aspiring young athletes.
Midfielders Michael Tembo and Thabile Zulu are among those selected for the European trials, with both players expressing excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.
“I am happy to get this opportunity. We have all been wanting to play overseas for a long time. As upcoming players, we are inspired by Marvellous. He makes us believe that anything is possible,” Tembo said.
“The chances are there and I was ready for such an opportunity. We want to go the same way Nakamba went,” Zulu added.
With varying age groups from eight up to 20 years, Njube Hotspurs now has a team in the Division 2 league and Club Chairperson Trust Chizunza is confident of nurturing talent.
“We thank Nakamba because many children have come out of drugs and crime in the community. We have teams from as early as eight years up to Under 20s. So, he is playing a big role in our community,” a parent said.
Njube Hotspurs were crowned Under-17 ZIFA Bulawayo Provincial champions and the Marvellous Nakamba Foundation believes the future looks bright for upcoming stars, with another edition of the Nakamba Tournament set for the end of the year.
“The main emphasis for this project is to keep young people from drug and substance abuse and give them an opportunity to play overseas. As it is, we have three players destined for trials in Belgium, so I think we are trying. The future looks bright for the academy. We are planning to have a tournament by year end,” Sponsor, Antony Nakamba said.
Already, Prosper Padera made a breakthrough after sealing a move to Finland through the Marvellous Nakamba junior football tournament.
