WARRIORS captain Marvelous Nakamba has launched a passionate call for national unity, imploring the entire country — from the highest offices to the ordinary fan, and from the corporate elite to his fellow players — to rally behind the Warriors ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Morocco this December.
The Luton Town midfield maestro, who shone brightly in the team’s recent 2-1 victory over World Cup-bound Qatar, views the forthcoming tournament as an opportunity for the nation to speak with one voice and support its warriors as they prepare to take on the continent’s best.
“The tournament ahead will not be just about us the players on the pitch. It is about the entire nation of Zimbabwe,” Nakamba said in an interview with NewsDay Sport yesterday.
“For us to succeed, for us to finally break the knockout stage barrier, we need every piece of the puzzle to be in place. And the first piece is unity.”
Nakamba’s call for tranquility comes amid reports of internal friction following the recent friendly matches in the Middle East.
While the Warriors suffered a 3-1 defeat to Algeria, the subsequent 2-1 triumph over Qatar, a game Nakamba captained and excelled in, provided a much-needed morale boost.
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However, the build-up was marred by reports of tension between the players and new coach Marian Marinica.
The midfielder, who missed the Algeria loss but was a calming presence in the Qatari win, was quick to diffuse the situation, insisting that the camp is focused on the bigger picture.
“The camp is not divided. We are one, we are Zimbabweans, we need to support each other and also for us as boys, we are pushing each other trying to adjust to implement the new philosophy from the coach,” the captain insisted.
“We are adjusting, and the result against Qatar showed that. The team always comes first.”
Looking beyond the technical and tactical aspects, the former Aston Villa star passionately appealed to the corporate world, government institutions, and wealthy individuals to invest heavily in the team’s Afcon campaign.
Nakamba stressed that adequate preparation and welfare are crucial for the team to perform at its peak against formidable opponents.
“We are preparing to face the giants of African football, and we will need adequate resources to conquer,” he pleaded.
“We ask our government, rich individuals and the corporates to come on board.
“This is an investment in the national brand and a boost for our collective morale.
“Give the team the best possible conditions, and we will repay the faith on the field.
“A good send-off for the team to Morocco wouldn’t also hurt.”
The skipper also extended a direct and personal appeal to players who missed the latest international window, particularly those rumoured to be considering walking away from the national team.
With the final squad selection looming, Nakamba made it clear that all hands are needed on deck for the continental showpiece.
“Zimbabwe needs all its good players. Let’s put all grievances aside and avail ourselves. We are one team, one family. We have to be patriotic for this cause,” he said.
“If all the players can avail themselves, I’m sure we have a squad good enough to go beyond the group stage.
“This is not the time to walk away. We need every experience and every talent available. Once a Warrior, always a Warrior. Let us do this together.”
Zimbabwe is in one of the most challenging groups at the Afcon tournament, facing off against seven-time champions Egypt, fierce southern African rivals South Africa and a highly competitive Angola side.
Despite the daunting task, Nakamba remains optimistic that a united front can propel the Warriors to achieve their historical goal of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Afcon for the first time in the nation’s history.
“We know the group is tough.
“But with the support of our people, and with every player committed to the cause, we can pull off a miracle.
“Let us be united and let the world see the strength of the Zimbabwean spirit.”
He concluded: “We are going to Afcon to change history. But we must be one. Zimbabwe, let us be one.”