Chaminuka’s mid-season transfer hopes

Eddie Chikamhi

Zimpapers Sports Hub

DYNAMOS coach Saul Chaminuka believes the struggling Glamour Boys will be able to turn around their floundering Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign on condition that the fading giants loosen the purse strings during the mid-season transfer window.

The 2025 mid-season transfer window officially opened on Tuesday, just days after Dynamos made a last-ditch effort to escape a ban from FIFA from registering new players.

And Chaminuka, who replaced Lloyd Chigowe, is looking at adding at least five fresh pairs of legs to his squad, which he found wallowing in the relegation zone when he took over two months ago.

Chaminuka immediately noticed that the Glamour Boys’ challenges were to a larger extent to do with the quality of the players, which is one of the reasons they pulled out of the CAF Confederation Cup recently.

With the championship race now flipping into the second round, there will be no room for experiments.

Dynamos still find themselves struggling to win games, with only two victories from 17 games this season.

They currently sit second from the bottom of the table and there are genuine fears of relegation stalking the Harare giants.

“We are not in this game as we say but we are definitely bringing in five players and that means we are also seeing five players leaving.

“At the moment I’m not at liberty to talk about who is coming and who is going but very soon we will let you know who has joined our ranks and who has left,” said Chaminuka.

He had previously hinted at experience, with veterans such as Allan Gahadzikwa on his wish list.

He has until July 31 to conduct his business.

The former Warriors assistant coach was relieved when he received the news that the FIFA player transfer ban that was hanging on Dynamos’ head over unpaid dues to their former players had been settled.

Dynamos were reported to the world football governing body by Ghanaians Emmanuel Paga and Frederick Ansa-Botchway over a US$18 500 debt.

Nambian Sadyney Urikhob had also dragged Dynamos to ZIFA over his outstanding dues.

But after clearing the FIFA hurdle, Dynamos have allowed Chaminuka to speed up his scouting mission.

“I think it is going to help build a ground that has confidence with prospective players wanting to join us.

“The team’s ability to pay the concerned players shows that there is money and I think it was key as far as recruitment is concerned because players were probably saying if Dynamos cannot pay players, where do I think I want to go?

“I am sure that we will have maybe one or two very good players and that will bolster quality depth,” said Chaminuka.

Ahead of the low-key Harare derby against bogey side Herentals at Rufaro tomorrow, Chaminuka also confirmed that versatile player Nomore Chinyerere was on his way out to join Triangle.

Chinyerere has been conspicuous by his absence at the DeMbare training this week amid swelling rumour that he was being lured to the Lowveld by his former coach at Dynamos, Genesis Mangombe.

Apparently, the lanky defender has already started training with Triangle. DeMbare coach Chaminuka told Zimpapers Sports Hub that he would not stand in the player’s way after getting the transfer request.

“The office approached me, and they told me he was leaving for the Lowveld, and I said fine if it’s how he feels. You cannot tie down a player against his will if he wants to leave,” he said.

Chinyerere joined Dynamos last year in January from former champions FC Platinum. He has been an integral part of the team, weighing in with goals and assists.

Considering he still had six months remaining on his contract, discussions between the two relegation-threatened clubs were still on-going by yesterday afternoon.

“I don’t know, maybe they are through now with the process. But I will know whether he is now with the Triangle, or he is still to go. I don’t know.”