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MARVELOUS Nakamba’s courtesy call on President Mnangagwa, at State House on Thursday, is another significant event in demonstrating how our finest sportspersons remain committed to the cause of their country.

In an era where many spin doctors are always ready to demonise such visits, for their selfish considerations, we are charmed that our high-profile sportspersons continue to see beyond the interests of these merchants of doom.

Nakamba is the Zimbabwean football, with the highest profile in the world today, by virtue of playing in the toughest, and most glamorous league, in world football, the English Premiership.

Since the legendary Peter Ndlovu blazed a trail, and became the first African footballer to feature in the English Premiership, in August 1992, it has been the dream of many thousands of stars, from this continent, to play in that league.

There is a reason they all yearn to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Bruce Grobbelaar, Benjani Mwaruwari, Didier Drogba, Jay Jay Okocha, Samuel Etoó, Yaya Toure, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Lucas Radebe, to name but a few of some of the greatest African stars, who have graced that league.

The financial rewards, which come with being a member of the elite players, good enough to be picked to play there, are huge, the global coverage of the league ensures the players become superstars, known around the world, while the quality of the competition also drives a lot of them, to also take their game, to another level.

Nakamba’s world has changed significantly, since he arrived at Aston Villa from Belgian side, Club Brugge and, with estimated earnings in the region of £60 000 a week, he is probably the highest paid Zimbabwean athlete today.

His rich earnings have seen him invest wisely, in the transformation of the life of family, building a house for his parents in Bulawayo, and ensuring that they live a more comfortable life than was the case, before his big breakthrough.

Crucially, from a national perspective, we have seen him invest in junior football development initiatives, through his Marvelous Nakamba Foundation, and this weekend, he was scheduled to host his inaugural junior football tournament, in his home city of Bulawayo.

However, the tournament has, for now, been put on hold, after the Sports Commission heed the directive of the Government, to suspend high-risk sports codes, like football, as part of a cocktail of measures to try and arrest the spread of the Covid-19 virus across our communities.

And, of late, he has also been exploring business ventures, throughout the country, where he, and his partners, can invest, as a way of developing his motherland.

‘’I feel honoured meeting the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde ED Mnangagwa,’’ Nakamba said, after his meeting with the Head of State and Government.

‘’During the meeting, I informed his Excellency on how I will be investing in our beloved country, through a number of projects that are already lined up.

“I will also continue with the charity work, through the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation that has already assisted children with school tuition assistance.’’

President Mnangagwa described him as “one of Zimbabwe’s brightest young talents,’’ and a model athlete who was “hardworking, empathetic and with an unwavering love for his country — all of Zimbabwe’s children should look up to Marvelous Nakamba.’’

The response, from Nakamba’s Aston Villa teammates, including English international, Jack Grealish, who described him as “a legend,’’ for taking time to share his vision with the Head of State and Government, has been very encouraging.

It shows that, beyond the mission of playing football as professionals, they also acknowledge their role, as nation builders, a people who can make a difference in their countries, and communities, through playing various roles, to help their countries move forward.

In our polarised society, where some remain trapped in their world, in which they pray every day that this country doesn’t develop, because they feel that is the only way their selfish political interests will be enhanced, it’s refreshing that we have a group of high-profile sportspersons, who do not share their desperate thoughts.

We are charmed that we have athletes like Nakamba, who will always put their country ahead of all the other interests, and see a future which is prosperous, in which they will play a big role.

We are also charmed by President Mnangagwa’s open door policy, where he always commits time to meet these stars, to hear their thoughts and share with them his vision, to transform this country into an upper middle class economy, in the near future.

This is how nations are built, through such co-operation and not battles, and we are happy that our high-profile athletes are showing some opposition politicians that this country should always come first.

France-based footballer, Tino Kadewere, was the first to go and see the President, in January this year, taking his young family along, to spend some time in the presence of the country’s Head of State and Government.

The Olympique Lyon forward spoke of how he was charmed by his interactions with the First Family and how it all made him feel proud to be flying the Zimbabwe flag in the French top-flight league.

He committed himself to even increasing the investment he has been doing, through his foundation, to help the underprivileged young people in our communities.