Zimbabwe Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba has expressed satisfaction with the integration of new talent into the national squad following a 0-0 draw against local giants Highlanders FC in a training match on Wednesday.
The practice fixture, held at a packed Barbourfields Stadium, served as a crucial warm-up for the Warriors ahead of the upcoming Four Nations Tournament in Botswana. It also provided a platform for head coach Mario Marinica to test several debutants as he looks to broaden the national team's player pool.
Speaking after the match, Nakamba who currently plies his trade for Sheffield Wednesday praised the work ethic of the latest additions to the squad.
"So far so good. We’ve been training well and the new guys are adjusting well," Nakamba said. "Everyone has welcomed them, and they are pushing hard despite just arriving. It’s a matter of managing fatigue since some arrived only today, but their commitment is clear."
The match against Highlanders was more than just a fitness exercise for Nakamba. Growing up in the region, the midfielder found the experience sentimental, facing off against familiar faces from his youth.
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"It was a good feeling, playing against my homeboys," he added. "Some of them I played with in the junior leagues, and others were behind me. It was great to encourage each other on the pitch."
Coach Mario Marinica, who recently took the reins of the national side, used the stalemate to hand opportunities to several newcomers who include Mongameli "Smaller Tshuma, Cobini Mtunzi, Future Sibanda, and Panashe Makwiramiti
The Romanian tactician is utilising these sessions to instill his high-intensity philosophy before the team travels to Francistown.
The Warriors are set to depart for Botswana for the tournament, which features the hosts, Malawi, and Zambia. Nakamba emphasised that every minute on the pitch is vital for the rebuilding process.
"Each and every game is very important for the country. We just have to keep trying our best, giving everything to be competitive, and pushing each other in camp," Nakamba concluded, also thanking the Bulawayo crowd for their massive turnout.
The Four Nations Tournament is scheduled to begin on March 28, serving as a critical litmus test for Marinica’s new-look Warriors
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