The state of the artificial turf at Huye Stadium in Rwanda sparked outrage among players and technical teams during the international break, and Luton Town manager Rob Edwards has blamed it for Zimbabwe’s Marvelous Nakamba’s injury.
The stadium hosted four of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches.
South Africa’s senior men’s coach, Hugo Broos, was one of the most outspoken individuals. He lashed out at the stadium after Bafana Bafana was edged 2-0 by Rwanda.
Broos believed the shocking defeat came from the adverse effects of the water-logged pitch.
The effects of the pitch on players are a reality catching up on players. The Zimbabwe Warriors haven’t been spared either, as Marvellous Nakamba and Admiral Muskwe missed all their club matches due to injuries.
Nakamba wasn’t part of the Luton Town team that won 2-1 over Crystal Palace in their first historic home win in the English Premier League.
According to Luton Today, he was reported out due to a knee injury he suffered while on international duty.
This marked the first game he missed for the Hatters since their promotion to the EPL.
Admiral Muskwe missed Exeter City’s game in the English League One due to a muscle issue suffered during a game against Nigeria.
Luton manager explains Nakamba’s injury
Luton boss, Edwards said he is uncertain when Nakamba is expected to be back.
“His knee is a little bit swollen. We’re going to have to assess it more and see where he’s at with it,” the gaffer told Luton Today.
“He went away on international duty….. I don’t think the pitch was great that they played on and we’ll see how he is.
“We’re hoping that he’s not going to be out for too long…. But again, like always, it gives people an opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Stade de Reims midfielder Marshall Munetsi also picked up an ankle injury during his team’s Ligue 1 encounter with Rennes.
READ MORE: Zimbabwean players react after a near-perfect start in WCQ
Munetsi was subbed off just thirty minutes into the match. He joins the list of other Zimbabwean internationals on the injury list.
