When Marvelous Nakamba stepped up to take a crucial penalty for Luton Town in the Championship play-off final, he was perhaps the only one at Wembley who was aware that he last scored a competitive goal in 2017.
Marvelous by name, marvellous by natureBut he showed no signs of trepidation as he calmly slotted the ball past Coventry keeper Ben Wilson, and has now developed a taste for scoring. Nakamba’s contribution to Luton’s promotion to the Premier League lies in his defensive midfield duties: he has made the most tackles in the Luton squad this season and is in second place for interceptions.
Now the 29-year-old hopes to add goals to his repertoire: “Hopefully I will shoot soon, sometimes it depends, hopefully soon I’ll shoot more. I think I’ll take some balls home now and practice now, do some shooting!”
The defensive midfielder still has 12 months of his contract to run at Aston Villa, but a return to the Midlands is unlikely. Still, Nakamba is destined for the Premier League next season, with Luton reportedly keen on making his move permanent for a fee in the region of £15 million.
A swift return to the Premier LeagueNakamba is set to rejoin the Premier League as another Zimbabwe international player departs. Jordan Zemura is leaving Bournemouth this summer after signing for Serie A club Udinese. The African contingent in the Premier League continues to grow after South African forward Lyle Foster clinched promotion with Burnley this season.
The Premier League has long been a destination for African talent over the years with players such as Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré and Michael Essien achieving great success. The exploits of African stars in the UK have ensured that the Premier League is highly popular across Africa, as fans can watch their countrymen take on some of the best players in the world.
The love of football reached a peak in 2010 when South Africa was chosen as the first-ever African nation to host the FIFA World Cup. The interest in all things football has led to an increase in football-related novelties in the African entertainment industry, including the Nigerian soccer comedy film Prophetess.
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It has also inspired a wide range of soccer slots on offer by a South Africa online casino, which include Football Fortunes and Football Frenzy. These soccer slot titles allow casino operators to capitalize on the popularity of the sport and the performances of Africans such as Nakamba will only add to the approval of the people’s game in the Mother Continent.
Penalty dramaThe result marks a remarkable turnaround in fortune for Nakamba since joining Luton on loan in January 2023. The 29-year-old had not featured for the Villains at all this season before signing for the English Championship side on a six-month loan deal.
It meant a lot to our boys! 🧡#COYH pic.twitter.com/ThpZGKtpbV
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) June 6, 2023
With all penalties dispatched to make it 5-5, the tension rose as the penalty shootout went to sudden death. Luke Berry scored to put the Hatters ahead, and Nakamba was seen praying as Coventry defender Fankaty Dabo stepped up. He blazed the ball over the bar, and the Luton players celebrated promotion to the top flight of English football in style.
Nakamba reflected on his own personal achievement and was also keen to highlight the team effort in reaching the Premier League when he told fans on social media: “We did it together. Together!” Premier League fans are set to experience a rejuvenated Nakamba next season.
