adminBruce Chikuni
EVANS KATEMA, who scored just ONE goal last season, has been retained by Dynamos for the new Castle Lager Premiership season, which gets underway on Saturday.
Some feel he did not fit in well into the system employed by coach Tonderai Ndiraya and could thrive under a different gaffer.
But, others feel the dreadlocked forward is now past his peak.
His struggles last season were put into perspective by central defender Frank Makarati who scored six goals.
The Glamour Boys have since roped in Jayden Barake, Ellie Ilunga and Nyasha Chintuli up front.
This trio hit the double figure mark in all competitions last season and chances are high that they will all get preference ahead of Katema when they are fit to play.
The club released Ralph Kawondera, who scored five goals.
Coach Herbert Maruwa and his deputy, Genesis Mangombe, will be hoping that Katema fires in what will be a dramatic improvement from his poor performance last season.
Mangombe, who made a name for himself at Yadah Stars, is confident Katema will be a different player this season.
“It was not a good season for him and I think it’s normal for strikers,” he said.
“He is a good player, he can keep the ball well and he is showing signs that he can be reliable all season.
“It’s up to him to turn the corner but we are not going to pressure him to perform well, he’s an adult, he knows what is required from a player of his calibre.”
He added. “We can’t promise that he is going to play weekly but I can assure you that everyone is going to have his chance to play.
“We have players who are equally talented, no player is guaranteed a first XI slot and it means everyone is going to sweat to become a regular starter.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter