Sundaymail Editor
Sports Reporter
The Zimbabwe football transfer window is now officially open.
As is the norm, December 31 marks the end of contracts for many local footballers.
It signals the beginning of jostling for signatures and movement of players.
The run-up to the period has been dominated by Chicken Inn, who have already signed one of Zimbabwe’s future prospects, Calum English-Brown.
The youthful player, who was on the radar of many premiership clubs, was snapped up by Chicken Inn in November.
The Gamecocks coach, Joey Antipas, believes he will add value to the Bulawayo side.
“Calum is an exciting player, who can turn a game on its head in an instant.
“The boy has a good combination of skill and pace, which is needed in the modern game.
“He plays out wide as a winger and I believe, if we get him up to full speed, he could be a great signing, as long as he keeps his head screwed on,” said Antipas.
Chicken Inn are still widely expected to be very active on the transfer market.
“The pre-season is a hectic time.
“It’s the mad season, where all clubs are in the hunt to equip themselves with players who are on the market, so we are one of the teams trying to secure players who can fit into our style of play,” he said.
Black Rhinos are also bracing for a busy couple of weeks.
The army side parted ways with Herbert Maruwa at the end of July.
He has since joined Dynamos and is set to begin his duties today.
Maruwa’s influence has already seen Dynamos snatching 2022 Soccer Star of the Year finalist Eli Ilunga.
There is growing speculation that more Black Rhinos players will follow him to Dynamos.
Chauya Chipembere will not sit on their laurels.
There are indications they will inject new blood into the team.
The club’s secretary-general, Edward Mutukwa, said players above 25 will not have their contracts renewed, except for 2014 Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda.
“As Black Rhinos, our first strategic decision is to do away with recycled players, save for Dennis Dauda,” said Mutukwa.
“This is due to his overarching influence on the field of play, hence the decision to retain his services.
“Players who will leave the club will be notified at the end of their contracts, on December 31 (yesterday), and these are the majority of our players who are beyond the age of 25.”
The army side will also retain the services of influential players such as Brighton Christopher, whose contract is also still valid.
“We want those who balance the need for preservation of the club history, as well as the furtherance of their careers.”
Negotiations are underway with some former Premier Soccer League players.
Added Mutukwa: “We are looking at adding one seasoned striker from Tenax, Farai Mugunwa, while negotiations for Takudzwa Petros from WhaWha and Tatenda Kureti from Tenax are ongoing.
Online Reporter