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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
TERRENCE Dzvukamanja was unveiled by South African Premiership side SuperSport United yesterday, to end a tumultuous week in which the Zimbabwean striker divided opinion among the Supa Diski faithful.
The 29-year-old was confirmed just two days after the club had announced the return of Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
The side also recently roped in defender Ronald Pfumbidzai and now they have five Zimbabweans in their books, including goalkeeper George Chigova and veteran Onismor Bhasera. Apparently, Hunt is an admirer of Zimbabwean talent, having worked with several Zimbabwean players in the past. Hunt revealed it was no surprise he was bringing Dzvukamanja since the two previously worked together at Bidvest Wits.
But, while both Dzvukamanja and Hunt were happy with the reunion, a feud was hatching the striker’s previous club Orlando Pirates, who cried foul in a media statement over the manner of his departure and Matsatsantsa’s approach.
Hunt told journalists that the transfer was conducted above board.
“I know the truth but the truth obviously can’t be revealed,” he said.
“It hasn’t been nice what has gone on in the media and obviously there has been a backlash, but I do know the truth and the whole story, everything from day one.
“I sleep well, I have a clear conscience and that’s all we can do and try and concentrate going forward so that is all we can.
“It is important that the boy settles down. He has been here for two days now. It feels like home for him again.”
“As I said, I know the true story and we won’t come out and make any statement about it. Let’s concentrate to get the boy settled and get him in the club – that is what we have done.
“Everything has been done properly.”
Dzvukamanja, who experienced unjustified attacks by the Pirates fans last season before proving his critics wrong towards the back-end of the campaign, caught his employers off-guard as the Buccaneers had wanted him to be part of their 2023-24 Champions League squad.
The 29-year-old’s contract with the Soweto giants expired at the end of June, and despite Pirates’ keen interest to retain his services, his future had largely been shrouded in uncertainty. The South African media reported Pirates were confident of having him on board, especially after he had played such an important role for the side during the second half of last season, scoring the winner in the Nedbank Cup final against Sekhukhune United in May.
But Hunt revealed he had wanted the striker back in January, when he was still facing challenges at Pirates because of lack of game time and the animosity by the club’s supporters.
“Well, not again, but with me, I know him well. I tried to get him in January, which we should have gotten in January.
“He’s versatile player – he can play four positions, so that is important for the club of our stature. We need players that are versatile that can play certain four positions across the front.
“He will add huge value, I know, having watched him in the last two days at training. He will have a huge value for us.”
Dzvukamanja joined previous club Pirates in 2020 and made 76 appearances for the Buccaneers, scoring 16 goals.
But he encountered challenges last season. Nonetheless, he overturned his struggles and capped off the season with eight goals in 19 matches in all competitions last season, as Pirates also finished second on the DStv Premiership table to qualify for the CAF Champions League.
He was also the hero as they won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup title, in which he netted a dramatic last-minute winner on the final day of the 2022/23 domestic campaign.
The other Zimbabwean player, Arubi is returning to the fold after an unhappy stint with the club the last time out in 2020.
Despite having Zimbabwean coach, Kaitano Tembo as head coach at SuperSport United at the time, Arubi never got a single minute of game time. He only featured on the team card as a substitute goalkeeper on 12 occasions, with the club preferring compatriot George Chigova.
SuperSport are also home to Zimbabwean defenders Bhasera and newly-recruited Pfumbidzai. Bhasera was appointed captain by Hunt last season.
The Zimbabwean quintet is expected to help SuperSport in the Confederation Cup campaign in the coming season.
leeroy
Online Reporter