Zimbabwe star Nakamba thanks Town's 'incredible' fans after his Luton exit
Midfielder leaves Kenilworth Road
Former Luton midfielder Marvelous Nakamba hailed the Hatters fans for their ‘incredible’ support after he ended his time at Kenilworth Road on transfer deadline day this week.
The 32-year-old became a firm favourite with Town supporters ever since joining on loan from Aston Villa in January 2023, as he went on to play a massive role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League, featuring 20 times as Luton reached the play-off final at Wembley, Nakamba himself on target in the successful penalty shootout victory over Coventry City that followed the 1-1 draw.
The Zimbabwe international then signed for the Hatters permanently in the summer, becoming part of Town’s first ever season in the Premier League as he made 13 top flight appearances, but unfortunately suffered a serious knee injury which kept him out of the second half of the season. With Town back in the Championship, the former Club Brugge and Vitesse Arnhem player made 23 outings last term, but was hindered by yet another injury, which saw him miss another large chunk of the season as Luton dropped into League One.
This term he has once again struggled for fitness, missing the pre-season campaign as he only managed to feature once in the league under previous boss Matt Bloomfield and then had just two Vertu Trophy outings once Jack Wilshere took over in October. It meant Nakamba left the club on deadline day as he quickly penned a deal with Championship side Sheffield Wednesday and writing on his official X page about leaving Kenilworth Road, he said: “As l say goodbye to @LutonTown my heart is full of gratitude Thank you to all technical staffs for the guidance and my teammates for being a second family, To the Fans your support has been incredible. I will always be proud to have been part of this Family.”
His efforts were also praised by Wilshere too, who despite not having too long to work with him, continued: “Marv is someone who brought so much energy to the group. Obviously it didn’t quite work out for him this year, but everyone at the club loved Marv. As soon as I walked through the club they told me about him, I obviously know the history and what he achieved here in helping the club get to the Premier League and how important he was for that. I’ve got nothing but positive words to say about Marv and wish him well with Sheffield Wednesday. He’s a good player, he’ll go there and help them.”
Having made Hillsborough, with the club destined for relegation this term after suffering a number of points deductions, his next place of residence on a short term deal, then speaking to the Herald Online about his decision to do so, he said: “There were so many offers that came my way from across Europe. I could also have stayed at Luton Town, but I considered a lot of factors. Sheffield Wednesday might be struggling but they are a big team with a lot of history. They have amazing fans and the level they are playing is bigger.
“I have been playing yes, here and there, but a player obviously needs to be on the pitch consistently. This is what I put right up my mind before making my decision. I will be facing Championship competition and I guess it will be good for me. I know by the time the season comes to an end, I would have gained a lot in terms of the game itself and I will see what comes up thereafter. But to be honest, I really needed this move and to be in the Championship.
With Nakamba having played just over 200 minutes of league football this term, Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen believes that his experience of playing at the Africa Cup of Nations, and also winning another four caps for his country this year, could see him available to feature soon, telling the Star: “He played three games in the African Nations and I hope he can come in with all his experience because we have a very young squad. He can come in to play the six and I am looking forward to working with him.”