MARVELOUS Nakamba’s Luton Town FC will play in the English Premier League for the first time in their history next season after they saw off Coventry City FC 6-5 on penalties in the Championship play-off at Wembley on Saturday.
The victory marked a remarkable story of resilience and tenacity for Luton Town. Nine seasons ago, they were playing in the Conference Premier. However, next season they will be mixing with the big boys of the English Premier League.
Jordan Clark opened the scoring and gave Luton Town the lead in the 23rd minute, which they protected until halftime.
Nakamba, deemed excess baggage by Unai Emery when he took over from Steve Gerrad at Aston Villa, had a great game in the heart of Luton’s midfield, shielding the back four from Coventry’s attackers.
Coventry City equalised in the 66th minute through Gustavo Hamer, and it was game on.
The two teams could not be separated at 1-1 after minutes120 minutes of football, and it took the dreaded penalties to break the hearts of the Coventry City faithful.
Nakamba was tasked with taking the third penalty for Luton Town, which he whipped into the bottom right corner after sending Coventry City goalkeeper Ben Wilson the wrong way.
Like in regulation time, both teams scored their five penalties and could not be separated.
Football can be cruel. Fankaty Dabo was the villain, who missed Coventry’s sudden death penalty after Luton had converted theirs.
With that miss, top-flight football is coming to Kenilworth Road next season.
Nakamba found his groove back at Luton and now has a future to ponder in the off-season as he returns to his parent club, Aston Villa.
On the other hand, do not be surprised if the South-East England side tries and sign Nakamba permanently and join another Zimbabwean Admiral Muskwe, who is on their books.
