Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR more than five years, Emmanuel Jalai drew strength from Rufaro’s famous Vietnam Stand. This afternoon, he could hear it roar against him for the first time.
The former Dynamos captain returns to Rufaro in Scottland colours for a rearranged league match that could shape the championship race.
“I never thought this kind of moment would come, playing in front of the Vietnam against Dynamos,” Jalai told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“It’s going to be an emotional and sensitive game for me given that this is the club which gave me the platform, love and support.
“Dynamos made me who I am today.”
Jalai spent six years at Dynamos, rising from an unheralded arrival to club captain and a Vietnam favourite. The 27-year-old right-back helped DeMbare win three consecutive Chibuku Super Cup titles and played a central role in their escape from relegation on the final day of last season. His performances also carried him into the Warriors squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
Jalai left Dynamos as a free agent after his contract expired last December and joined South African side Durban City in January.
Durban City loaned him to Scottland for six months in July, setting up his first potential appearance against the club he once led.
The reunion comes with Scottland under pressure to preserve their place at the top.
Mabviravira led second-placed Hardrock by two points, and victory in their game in hand would open a five-point advantage with eight matches remaining. While Jalai enjoyed cup success at Dynamos, the league championship eluded him. He is now chasing his first title medal with the defending champions.
To move closer to it, he may have to help Scottland further weaken Dynamos’ own championship challenge.
But Jalai is not guaranteed a place in Norman Mapeza’s starting line-up.
Ghanaian defender Issaka Mohammed has been trusted at right-back and was shifted into central defence alongside Kelvin Moyo when Scottland beat FC Platinum 3-1 in the Chibuku Super Cup last Friday.
Mapeza has made it clear that the players who arrived during the mid-season transfer window must earn their places.
Jalai says Scottland’s desire to win and the competition for jerseys have forced him to work harder. “I can’t complain about my stay at Scottland so far,” he said.
“The desire to win and the competition within the team have surprised me. I have to work harder to play.”
Should Mapeza select him, Jalai could find himself directly against in-form Dynamos winger Leeroy Mavhunga, who is enjoying his football under Aritsica Cioaba.
His affection for Dynamos remains, but his responsibility now lies with Scottland.
“My respect for the club will never fade. That will never happen.
“But I am now employed at Scottland, and I have to perform well and help the team win games and cups.”
