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Steven Gerrard might give Nakamba lifeline after huge blow

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BY JOHN TOWNLEY

Marvelous Nakmaba has quickly become the forgotten man in Aston Villa’s squad just nine months after being focal to Steven Gerrard’s bright start in Premier League management.

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The Zimbabwean played back-to-back 90 minutes for the first time in over two years when he starred in Villa’s impressive wins over Brighton and Crystal Palace in Gerrard’s first two games in charge last year.

Playing a key role in Gerrard’s system, Nakamba stepped up and helped Villa escape a wretched five-match losing rut.

“For me it’s always about the collective, as a team, if we do well as a team then afterwards, personal (plaudits) as well,” the midfielder said after winning the man of the match award for his display in the 2-1 win at Selhurst Park. “It doesn’t matter like that to me, as long as the team does well, it’s more important for me.”

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Nakamba started three more games under Gerrard: against Manchester City, Leicester City and Liverpool, before being handed a cruel injury blow at Anfield that would disrupt the best form he had shown in claret and blue since making the switch from Club Brugge in the summer of 2019.

He missed four months of action after recovering from knee surgery which is the longest injury absence of his career.

The 28-year-old said during his rehabilitation: “Injuries are frustrating at any time, but I’d just won the Player of the Month for the club and I was getting more game time.

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Steven Gerrard and his new team came in and I’m grateful for the chance I got from them.

“I was enjoying the training and improving. Unfortunately, I got the injury and now I have to work hard on coming back stronger.”

Villa’s luck with injuries has not improved over the last month with new signing Diego Carlos ruled out for the majority of the season and Boubacar Kamara set to mis roughly two months of action after sustaining a knee injury of his own.

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It could open the door for Nakamba to win his place back in Gerrard’s squad after being used sparingly since his return from injury back in April.

Nakamba has only been included in Villa’s match day squad for three of the club’s opening seven Premier League games, while he didn’t travel with the team to face Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.

With Kamara set to miss Villa’s next eight games before the World Cup, Gerrard could turn to Luiz to play a holding midfield role, while Nakamba offers defensive stability too.

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Speaking on the impact of Nakamba in the early stages of his tenure, Gerrard said: “He’s been fantastic, he’s trained extremely well.

“ He’s been really open, his two performances have been outstanding. We were aware of Marvelous before we came in, but he’s somebody who has really stood up and jumped out, he’s basically said in the two weeks, ‘’I’m here, I want to contribute, I want to be available’.

“He’s still young, he can get better. He’s around the right people for that to happen, he’s in the right environment for that. We’re really pleased to have him.”

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And Nakamba was indeed a key component in the opening games of the Gerrard era.

In the first two games against Brighton and Crystal Palace Nakamba recorded seven tackles, two blocks, two interceptions and a 92 per cent pass accuracy.

In those two fixtures, Villa limited their opponents to seven shots per game, a 0.65 expected goals (xG) value and twelve shot creating actions.

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Following his injury, Nakamba’s absence was felt as Luiz was forced to operate in a deeper role to the number eight position that he can flourish in.

When he did return to fitness, Gerrard was delighted to have him back in contention to play games.

“[I am] extremely happy because when we came into this job, we had the right boost and bounce, and we found a bit of consistency in the team early on. Marv was a really big part of that,” Gerrard said.

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“He’s still got a bit to go in terms of where he’s at physically. But the part he played in how we wanted the team to look, he’s been missed. We can’t get him up to speed quick enough.

“This week, we’ve pushed him and he’s had extra training. He’s an important player for us.

“So, when we get him back capable of 90 minutes at this level, I’m sure he’ll be a big help to the team.” – BirminghamLive

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National

Chidzivo, Waison take top honors at Vic Falls Marathon

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.

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Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on

The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.

Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.

Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.

In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.

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Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.

In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.

The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.

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Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.

Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.

https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46

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Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.

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Zimparks launches elephant culling program

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to address the growing elephant population in Save Valley Conservancy, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued permits for a controlled elephant management exercise.

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The exercise, slated to commence shortly, aims to cull an initial 50 elephants from the conservancy, which is currently home to 2,550 elephants – more than three times the ecological carrying capacity of 800 elephants.

According to ZimParks, the conservancy has been struggling to cope with the swelling elephant population, which has put a strain on the wildlife habitat and resources. Over the past five years, the conservancy has translocated 200 elephants to other areas, including Hurungwe and Sapi, in an effort to manage the population.

Zimparks says the controlled culling exercise is expected to provide relief to the conservancy’s ecosystem, while also benefiting local communities.

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Elephant meat from the exercise will be distributed to local communities while the ivory will be kept by the State.

In a statement, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasized the authority’s commitment to responsible and sustainable wildlife management.

“We remain committed to ensuring that our wildlife resources are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, for the benefit of present and future generations.”

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In the community

Hwange police seek public’s help in locating missing teen

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

The Hwange police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Latoya Lisa Munkuli, who went missing on May 7, this month.

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Latoya, a dark-complexioned female juvenile, was last seen leaving her residence in Hwange around 4 pm.

She was wearing a distinctive outfit consisting of green trousers and a white T-shirt, and carried a black satchel. She stands approximately 1.6 meters tall.

Inspector Glory Banda of the Hwange police is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information about Latoya’s whereabouts to come forward.

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If you have any information about Latoya’s disappearance, please contact Inspector Banda on 0785961747 or 0771256607.

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