Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GIANTS Dynamos are aware club captain Emmanuel Jalai has attracted numerous suitors following his impressive performances and have tabled a new offer in a desperate bid to keep their prized possession ahead of the 2026 season.
The diminutive fullback currently ranks among the top talent in the country after making the Soccer Stars finalists and has strongly been linked with a move to champions Scottland.
However, the Glamour Boys feel they cannot afford to lose their captain, whose talent and leadership qualities were critical for survival during a difficult campaign in the 2025 season, as well as the successful Chibuku Super Cup title defence.
“We have managed to tie down most of our players,” Dynamos Executive Committee member responsible for marketing David Chikomo said.
“We know that Jalai is the most wanted player in the league at the moment and I can tell you we have engaged him on that.
“We offered him a new contract and right now he is tied up with the national team and we expect him to commit after the AFCON tournament.” Jalai was one of the few top talents in DeMbare’s books this year and losing him could be catastrophic for the ailing giants, who are also likely to lose Ghanian defender Issaka Mahommad to Scottland.
Dynamos need to build around Jalai after surviving relegation on the last day of the 2025 campaign. The 26-year-old fullback was named captain at the start of the season, as a reward for his form and loyalty. Jalai is the longest-serving player in the DeMbare squad, having joined the side in 2019.
He is currently in camp with the national team after he was selected in the 28-member squad to represent the nation at the AFCON 2025 finals in Morocco. The tournament is scheduled to start this Sunday.
DeMbare are hoping for positive feedback once the defender when he returns from the tournament. Already the giants have suffered a huge blow following the departure of head coach Kelvin Kaindu to ambitious newboys Hardrock. The Zambian coach won hearts of the DeMbare family when he turned around the fortunes of the club and ensured survival from relegation and also winning the Chibuku Super Cup.
The club has accepted the setback and yesterday paid tribute to Kaindu.
“As the Dynamos family we would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the dedication, passion, and leadership you brought to our club,” said DeMbare in a statement.
“Your vision on the pitch, your relentless commitment to developing young talent, and the pride you instilled in every player will forever be part of our history.
“The wealth was not limited to faith, but technical prowess which saw us survive possible relegation in the 2025 season . . . Thank you for the unforgettable chapter you’ve written with us.”
Under Kaindu’s guidance Dynamos went 16 games unbeaten, scored 17 goals and conceded five in both league and cup competitions.
When Kaindu arrived, DeMbare were trapped in 17th position, seven points away from safety, with just 11 games remaining in the season. But a commendable outing of six wins and five draws in the league sealed DeMbare’s survival. The giants also went on to win the Chibuku Super Cup for an unprecedented third time in a row, to endear him with the DeMbare faithful. Kaindu yesterday said it was not easy for him to make the decision to leave Dynamos.
In his farewell message to the club, the Zambian coach said he had adopted Dynamos as his new “home” when the Glamour Boys took him on board after he was discarded by his former team Highlanders in August this year.
Kaindu, whose contract with DeMbare expired at the end of the season, was unveiled by ambitious newboys Hardrock at the weekend.
“It hasn’t been an easy decision to make. Personally, I see Dynamos as my home,” he said.
“The main objective set was to survive relegation, which we managed to achieve, and the Chibuku Super Cup victory was an icing on the cake.
“I would like to thank the Dynamos owner, Mr B.M. Lusengo, the Executive Committee management, sponsors and the technical team for the working relationship we had, and not forgetting the players who helped us survive relegation.
“It will be even more difficult for me to single out individuals, but I attribute this to team effort and commitment . . . I wish DeMbare all the best for success this coming season and beyond. Zikomo (thank you),” said Kaindu.
