Luton Town have confirmed that captain Marvelous Nakamba will join up with the Zimbabwe national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (Group C).
Nakamba, 31, has not featured for the Hatters since April during the closing stages of the 2024/25 season. Although declared fit ahead of pre-season, he did not take part in the team’s preparations and subsequently missed the opening matches of the new campaign.
The midfielder’s absence extended into the early weeks of this season, with his only minutes coming in a 45-minute runout for Luton’s U21s — a move head coach Matt Bloomfield described as precautionary as the player continues to build sharpness following a knee injury sustained two years ago.
At one stage Nakamba was training alone, raising further doubts over his readiness to return to international action. However, Thursday’s call-up by Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has now been backed by his club, with Luton confirming the Warriors skipper is available for duty despite his lack of recent senior action.
Nakamba’s inclusion comes at a crucial time for the Warriors, who face Benin and Rwanda in back-to-back qualifiers, with vice-captain Marshall Munetsi suspended for the opening clash in Cotonou.