Bundesliga Beckons

with two German sides, including one in the Bundesliga, expressing interest in the gifted playmaker.
The Warriors’ midfielder is currently in the second week of a three-week trial period at Bulgarian champions PFC Litex Lovech.

Dynamos fans have been flooding the social media sites, especially Facebook, wishing Gutu all the luck in his trials while some have been using the power of prayer in trying to help him make a breakthrough.
But virtually all the DeMbare fans appear convinced that the Glamour Boys have been poorer without him, with one supporter saying they were ready to raise funds to pay him handsomely just to keep him at the club this year.

The Bulgarians are expected to discuss with Gutu’s agent, on Friday, the technical report of how the trials have gone so far and this could give an indication whether Litex are willing to sign the player.
But Nyazema is unlikely to make a quick decision with reports emerging that Gutu is also being trailed by an unnamed Bundesliga side and a club from 2.Bundesliga, the second highest league in the professional ranks of German football.

The two German teams have already contacted Zifa technical advisor Klaus-Dieter Pagels for help in trying to get Gutu to come to Germany during the off-season break for assessment by their coaching staff.
Pagels, a German national attached to Zimbabwean football, was scheduled to fly back home yesterday and, during his stay in Germany, is expected to get more details about the two teams’ interests in the playmaker.

The Zifa technical advisor, who shuns the media spotlight and prefers to do is work in the background, has been one of the unsung heroes of the Mighty Warriors’ stunning revival, from a dormant franchise into a competitive force.

Pagels has been working closely with the Mighty Warriors, who qualified for the All-Africa Games on Sunday, and was a key figure in helping the team secure a training camp in Germany later this year.
Gutu’s agent, Calvin Nyazema, revealed yesterday that he was advised by Pagels of the twin interest by German teams in the services of the Zimbabwe playmaker.
“Pagels has been talking to two German teams who have been tracking Archie for some time and have now made up their minds on having a look at him during their off-season break,” said Nyazema.
“What I can reveal at the moment is that one of the teams in the Bundesliga and the other is in the next league that comes after the top-flight league in Germany, which means they are both competitive.

“From the information that I have received, the clubs have been tracking Archie for some time now and want to assess him now that the season there has ended.”
Nyazema said Pagels, who was expected to leave for Germany yesterday, will advise them of any developments.

The two German clubs are believed to have been tipped about Gutu during the 2011 Chan finals in Sudan after a number of scouts, spying on the tournament for fresh talent, included the midfielder in their reports.

Gutu scored once during the Chan finals but was impressive although he couldn’t help the Warriors avoid falling at the first hurdle after losses to South Africa and Niger.
They beat Ghana 1-0 with the midfielder scoring the priceless goal.

The German clubs, as part of their follow-up mission, turned to Pagels as they tried to get expert advice on the true quality of the midfielder.
The Zifa technical advisor is believed to have given an impressive recommendation of the midfielder leading to the two teams making their decision to invite Gutu for an assessment, in their conditions, in the next few weeks.

“The clubs have been talking to Pagels trying to get an expert analysis of Archie’s quality and they seem to have been convinced with what they heard and this has led to these developments,” said Nyazema.
“Pagels is going to Germany, for his own commitments, and he will communicate any further developments on the issue and we will take it up from there.”

Nyazema said Gutu remained focused on trying to impress Bulgarian champions Litex and securing a contract there.
“Obviously, Archie’s focus right now is on getting a contract in Bulgarian and he has been working hard on that for the past two weeks,” said Nyazema.

“I’m scheduled to talk to the officials of the Bulgarian team on Friday and we should know where this is all heading to.
“We have to keep monitoring the developments and, at the end of the day, we will make a decision that is in the best interest of the player.”

Gutu is scheduled to return home at the weekend and has been named in the Warriors’ squad ahead of the make-or-break 2012 Nations Cup qualifier against the Malian Eagles in Harare on June 5.
Last week Gutu told The Herald that he was confident of making the grade at Litex, who are the defending Bulgarian champions, even though he acknowledged that he needed to work hard to make an impression.

Litex have used its financial muscle to sign some of the best players in Bulgaria and have also lured a number of stars from foreign nations with their current squad boasting of five Brazilians.

The Dynamos midfielder conceded that he was surprised by the quality of the players at Litex, especially the foreign brigade, with the club’s best players – including four Brazilians – concentrated in the midfield area where he wants to get a place.
“They have a competitive team with players who are technically and tactically good,” said Gutu.
“The level of their game is very high and I think the best player at the team is a Brazilian who plays wide midfield while the captain plays central midfield.

“I need to work very hard if I am to make the team and I think I have made a good start, but I also need to do more.
“The plans are that I must come back home by May 25 and I think by then the coach would have made his decision on whether I have made the grade or not but I’m confident.”
Gutu’s absence has been felt by the Glamour Boys who struggled to beat Monomotapa 1-0 and then crashed to a 0-1 defeat against Zimbabwe Saints at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Coach Lloyd Mutasa conceded on Monday that his team was feeling the absence of its star players, notably Gutu and Denver Mukamba, who is in South Africa on trials.
The last time Gutu played for the Glamour Boys, he was inspirational as they destroyed Masvingo United 5-1 but in is absence, DeMbare have scored just one goal in 180 minutes.
Dynamos fans have taken to the social media sites, especially Facebook, to wish Gutu well in his bid to break into European football and they have also been reminding him of the way the team has struggled in his absence.
Gutu’s Facebook Messages

Takura Mazhura – Hey man are you still kuma trials? We really miss you in the team but wish you the best in your trials.
Hellington Chipendo – Uche, kuri sei kuchando, hope zviri kuita bho, wish you good luck.
Gift Patrick – Football paBulgaria apo, (Uche) wish you good luck.

Baron Nyahwema – Uche ukanonoka kudzoka uchawana team yava kurelegation zone. Hope you are showing them how it should be played. We are with you. Enjoy your stay.
Wesley Shasha – Uche, wish you all the best in your trials. You are in my prayers. Do what you got to do.

Washie Madzara – Ndokuziwa wakapenga sonny. Do us proud homeboy. Chingotaura naMwari chete zvinhu zvese zvinoendeka. WAKAIPA WAKAIPA UCHE
Kenny Mageja – Uche, best of luck. You will do the best because the greatest is in you.
Alois Tendayi Ruzane – Sha zvavapapi nerwendo rwakatanga? Mwari unewe.

Stephen Paradzai Chivige – Two weeks dzapera manje uri kubudirira here younger?
Brighton Chambwera – Wish you the best and may God bless you brother. Rova bhora.

Chris Romario Musekiwa – What’s up Uche? Our prayers and thoughts are with you my brother. We are confident you will make it there.
Leonard Mwatenga – We missing you tight Uche, How is Bulgaria?

Imran Jawad – Saka nacoach muri kunzwanana here kana kuti masign? Usazoita ya Chunga ka yekunzvenga ground rese. I know one man cannot make a team mufana wangu but can make a difference, better udzoke sha toita kanzatu kanzatu, mudeme mudeme. tokupa hedu mari yeikoko. hona takadyiwa, Mudhara Zobha aita manyemwe kuno.

Tendekayi Madiz Madzimbamuto – Uche how is the going? I heard you are having a good time in the foreign and man
Tee Jumo – Uche, you are wonderful and wish you all the best. DeMbare ndizvo. Show them in Bulgaria that you are one of the best midfielders in the world.

Courage Mafukidze – Uche, the steps of a righteous man are ordered by God . . . keep your cool and stay focused.
Hugh Jackson – Good luck Uche, you deserve to be where you are. My prayers are with you and hope you will make it brother.