Ndebele hails clubs in mid-season transfer period

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
PREMIER Soccer League chief executive Kenny Ndebele has lauded the clubs for demonstrating a high level of organisation during the mid-season transfer period which closed on Wednesday. A total of 66 players were registered during the period and Ndebele yesterday said there was no last-minute rush this year as clubs finalised their signings before the midnight deadline.
Previously, the transfer window has also been a time for clashes between clubs for the signatures of players but this year was different.
All the 16 clubs were involved in the registration with financially unstable Harare side Motor Action, who lost about 10 players during the same period, being the most active.

But a number of players could find themselves on the sidelines when the Premiership programme resume next week as they are yet to get international transfer clearances from their foreign clubs.

“We expect the clubs to furnish Zifa with the ITCs by next week for the licencing of the players. Otherwise they cannot play until we get all the documents in place.
“It’s important to ascertain if these players have no problems with the clubs from where they are coming from,” said Ndebele.

The affected players include former Dynamos and CAPS United forward Evans Gwekwerere, who has signed for Black Mambas from Botswana side Township Rollers, Dynamos duo of Oscar Machapa and Victor Kamhuka who joined the Harare giants from South African clubs.

CAPS United veteran forward Leonard Tsipa and new teammate Brian Mapfumo are also awaiting their clearances from Botswana while Highlanders are also trying frantically to get the papers for their new signings Tinashe Chipunza and Master Masitara from the same country.

The PSL office is also yet to receive ITCs for goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura, Qinani Sibanda and Simba Gate.
“The window closed on Wednesday midnight and this year we have had a smooth transfer period. There were no last-minute registrations unlike in the previous years,” said Ndebele.

Log leaders Harare City made only one addition to their squad by bringing in Munyaradzi Kunyarimwe from Shabanie Mine.
The Sunshine Boys had also been linked with FC Platinum striker Michelle Katsvairo but the move could not materialise.

However, coach Bigboy Mawiwi appeared content with his squad which has performed above expectations this year as they currently lead the race with 12 games remaining.

With 37 points in the bag, City are three points clear of second-placed Highlanders while defending champions Dynamos trail five points behind.
Highlanders who finished close runners up last year will be looking to bounce back stronger in the remaining matches. However the club’s secretary Andrew Tapela said they only managed to get three players.

Bosso brought in Masitara and Chipunza from Botswana and deregistered two players Graham Ncube and Cleopas Dube who was loaned out to Division One side Bulawayo Chiefs.

“We also had a free slot and we used that to sign Gabriel Nyoni from Bulawayo Chiefs. That’s how far I can only go about the signings and everything technical is now left for the coaches,” said Tapela.

Defending champions Dynamos took on board former CAPS United fullback Machapa, Kamhuka and Benjamin Marere who is returning to the club following his hostile departure two seasons ago.

DeMbare also registered midfield hardman Milton Makopa — who missed the first half of the season due to illness — and promoted Blessing Moyo from the juniors.
The Glamour Boys, however, had to make tough decisions axing half-fit striker Francisco Zekumbawira, injured defender Byron Madzokere and Allan Tavarwisa who has since joined Monomotapa.

DeMbare team manager, Richard Chihoro, said they were looking forward to an exciting finish to this year’s championship race.
“Morale is at its highest level at the moment and I believe with the new signings that we have made it’s going to be exciting all the way.

“This year’s championship race has been highly competitive but there are 12 games still to be played,” said Chihoro.
CAPS United beefed up their squad with six players who include Tsipa, Mapfumo, Hardman Muchiso from Mwenezana, ex-La Liga’s Benson Maglasi, Munashe Chinembeza from Aces Youth Academy and youthful Malawian winger Gerald Phiri.

Bottom of the table side Motor Action who lost 10 players during the mid-season transfers managed to replace them all.
The Mighty Balls virtually had to raid Aces Youth Academy structures as they got six players on loan, led by Walter Musona.

Struggling new-boys Tripple B had to beef up with seven new players as they hope for improved fortunes in the second half of the season.