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Nakamba the catalyst for Aston Villa’s stunning victory

Published

3 years ago

September 19, 2021

BY PATRICK ROWE

BIRMINGHAM- The substitution of John McGinn for Marvelous Nakamba raised some eyebrows in Saturday’s game against Everton –it would prove to be an inspired decision.

Marvelous Nakamba was substituted on in the 40 th minute due to John McGinn suffering from dizziness after he took a blow to the head.

McGinn is quite the attacking threat in this side and the decision to bring on a very defensive minded player like Nakamba caused some unrest in the crowd at the time.

Emiliano Buendia is capable of playing in centre midfield and offers a lot both going forward and defensively, so fans were perplexed when they saw Nakamba stripped off and ready to come on.

He replaced Douglas Luiz in the holding midfielder role, and this then allowed the Brazilian to operate in the areas McGinn was previously roaming.

It was this change that ultimately proved to be the deciding factor in this tough fixture against Everton.

Nakamba possesses an innate ability to disrupt the opposition and it was no different in this game.

He consistently broke the play up and halted any Everton player that came his way.

His defensive ability is never in question, what fans do have doubts about is his ability on the ball. In this game however, he seemingly put this issue to bed.

He had a pass completion rate of 95.2% after completing 20 passes.

He looked confident and assured and his passing was crisp and direct to his teammates. Fans are often on edge when he has the ball but in this game he looked like a completely different player to the one that had struggled previously.

It was a welcome sight.

These passes weren’t just lateral or backwards either, he completed five passes to the final third which was the second highest number within the team, behind only Tyrone Mings.

He did an excellent job of not providing his teammates with possession, but also progressing the team forward.

His role in pre-season hinted that Dean Smith would be asking more of him in this aspect.

It was trialled against Watford in the opening game and although his attempt was valiant, the overall performance of the side meant any outlook fans had on his performance was most likely dampened.

As he acted as the anchor in midfield, it allowed Luiz to get forward with freedom he previously hasn’t had.

He set up Matty Cash for the opening goal and was influential throughout.

This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the role that Nakamba played.

There are of course still issues with Nakamba’s play.

Only two of the 20 passes he completed were with his right foot.

He is heavily left footed, and this lack of balance means the extra time he takes to shift the ball to his preferred foot either increases the likelihood he is dispossessed, or the momentum of the team is stunted.

The Villa midfield also dominated throughout, and it isn’t these games that Nakamba’s ability is questioned.

It is the game’s where the opposition are pressing intensively and forcing errors where issues may arise for the Zimbabwe international.

As he acted as the anchor in midfield, it allowed Luiz to get forward with freedom he previous hasn’t had.

He set up Matty Cash for the opening goal and was influential throughout.

This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the role that Nakamba played.

There are of course still issues with Nakamba’s play.

Only two of the 20 passes he completed were with his right foot.

The Villa midfield also dominated throughout, and it isn’t these games that Nakamba’s ability is questioned.

It is the game’s where the opposition are pressing intensively and forcing errors where issues may arise for the Zimbabwe international.

Regardless of these slight issues, it was an outstanding performance from Nakamba, and he was integral in this performance.

He will most likely see minutes in the League Cup fixture against Chelsea on Wednesday so this performance will hopefully give him a well-deserved confidence boost ahead of this. – Birmingham Mail

Lupane

Conductor killed in bus accident along Dandanda-Jotsholo road

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A bus conductor lost his life in a tragic accident along Dandanda-Jotsholo Road in Lupane after being run over by the bus he was working on.

The incident occurred on November 17, at approximately 1:30 a.m.

According to the police report, the conductor was hanging precariously on the moving bus and unfortunately slipped and fell, resulting in fatal injuries.

The police are now urging bus operators and crew members to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safety protocols to avoid such devastating accidents.

They specifically warn against allowing loaders or conductors to hang dangerously on moving vehicles, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety on the roads.

Bubi

Inyathi man handed community service for burning wife’s belongings

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A 39-year-old man from Inyathi Township has been convicted of malicious damage to property after a disagreement with his wife

The accused recently appeared before the Inyathi Magistrates’ Court for malicious damage to property.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, sometime in September, the accused person had a misunderstanding with the complainant, his wife over the welfare of the family.

He forced the complainant and their children out of the house.

While the complainant was away, the accused person burnt the complainant’s belongings.

The destroyed property was valued at $140.

The accused person was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, of which 3 months were suspended for 5 years.

A further 18 months were suspended on condition that he completes 630 hours of community service.

The remaining 3 months were suspended on condition of restitution.

Hwange

Victoria Falls residents at odds with roaming buffaloes, Zimparks maintains they belong

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Residents of Victoria Falls are struggling to coexist with a large number of buffaloes that have taken over the streets of both high-density urban areas and low-residential areas.

The buffaloes seem to be everywhere, leaving residents frustrated and desperate.

Videos taken by residents and VicFallsLive, our media organization, show people trying to chase them away using sticks and rocks, but the buffaloes are undeterred.

This morning, three buffaloes blocked the road on Jakaranda Street, eating leaves from the trees and grass.

Despite the distress calls from residents, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) maintains that the buffaloes are within their habitat.

“I think we need to understand who is is saying there has been a growing trend of buffalos in Victoria Falls for an example, l think the numbers we have in Victoria Falls we don’t have much problems with them and this is what attracts tourists,”said Tinashe Farawo, Zimparks spokesperson.

“It’s a tourist town and one of the major draw-cuts for tourists is those buffalos. It is definitely their habitat that’s where they stay in the wild.”

However, residents disagree. They say the buffaloes are causing a nuisance and pose a danger to humans.

“We are working hard to make a living, and now we have to deal with these wild animals in our streets,” said Khulani Ncube.

In one incident, about 40 buffaloes blocked the road on Mkhosana Street near Kazungula Road, eating vegetables. “It’s like they own the place,” said Trymore Ndolo who witnessed the scene, adding that they might cause a casualty if action is not taken.

While the Zimparks says that the buffaloes are a tourist attraction, residents argue that their safety should come first.

“We understand that tourism is important, but what about our lives?” asked a resident.