Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ISAAC Landu said he wasn’t sure what to expect when he joined Dynamos at the start of this season, given the Glamour Boys had just survived relegation on the final day of the 2025 term.
He knew DeMbare before coming down to sign for them, but he was surprised that on the final day of last season, the biggest club in Zimbabwe was not fighting for a trophy, but to stay in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
And, Landu wasn’t quite too sure whether he was making the right move, especially with Dynamos somehow inactive on the transfer market where the monied clubs were jostling to sign the best.
But that wasn’t his main worry, as the Democratic Republic of Congo defender was desperate to make an immediate impression at the Harare giants.
He found there fellow expat Frank Agyemang from Ghana, but the forward’s first season was indifferent, never lacking in effort, but failing to score even one goal for someone who plays as a striker.
“I was doubting whether I had made the right move,” said Landu.
After weeks warming the bench with coach Genesis Mangombe preferring a Hastings Chapusha-Clive Mandivei partnership, Landu finally got his chance and grabbed it with both hands.
In 26 games, he hasn’t only transformed Dynamos but has showed he is one of the best players in the league.
Landu has done more than just defend.
The centre-back has scored three goals in the 26 games, notched three assists and won six man-of-the-match accolades. He is not just stopping goals, but helping to create and score them.
“I am happy with my input this season. I came here to help the team, and I believe I have done that,” said Landu.
“I knew Dynamos is a big club with big history. I knew the fans expect a lot. I told myself I must give my best in every game. I must be strong. I must be focused.”
“To move from fighting relegation last year to fighting for top four this year is a big achievement for the team. I am happy to be part of that.”
Part of that quick adaptation, Landu says, was finding two Ghanaians, Agyemang and Christopher Nettey, at the team.
“Finding Frank and Christopher here helped me settle very fast,” said Landu.
“They welcomed me. They explained everything to me; the league, the club, the fans, the style of play. They made me feel at home from the first day.
“When you are far from home and you find your brothers, it gives you confidence. It gives you peace of mind. You can focus on football.”
Agyemang, who has 12 goals this season, is happy with how Landu quickly settled at Dynamos and how he has made an impact in the league.
Agyemang has been Dynamos’ chief marksman, and he knows what it takes to succeed at DeMbare.
“I am happy with how Landu settled. He came and he adapted quickly,” said Agyemang.
“He is a strong player, a good defender, and a good person. He works hard in training, he listens, and he gives everything on the pitch.”
“I am happy with how he has made an impact in the league. People now know him. Everyone knows Isaac Landu is a tough defender to play against.
“He has helped us a lot. At the back, he is a tower. He wins everything. And he has scored three goals for us. That shows his quality.”
Landu is one of the players highly tipped to make the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar when the selection panel chooses the finest 11 players for this season on November 24.
