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Langton Nyakwenda
IT looks like some of the Premier Soccer League clubs are determined to have their pre-season transfer deals done by the New Year, and there is already some serious haggling on the transfer market, just a week after the 2023 season came to a close.
By virtue of their status as Zimbabwe’s representatives in Africa next year, league champions Ngezi Platinum Stars and Chibuku Super Cup winners Dynamos are likely to attract some good players, who would be eyeing exposure on the continent.
Ngezi, who will take their bow in the CAF Champions League in August, are eager to bolster their squad, especially at the back, and are linked with at least two Highlanders defenders.
The miners are closely monitoring national team defenders Andrew Mbeba and Peter Muduhwa, as well as Mbongeni Ndlovu. The Sunday Mail Sport is, however, reliably informed that Ndlovu is on the verge of sealing a move to former champions FC Platinum.
FC Platinum won the league championship four times in a row before surrendering the title to Ngezi this term, largely due to an uncharacteristically leaky defence.
They conceded 29 goals in 34 matches, compared to the previous season in which they let in just 14.
FC Platinum are also in search of a defender to replace Gift Bello, who left the Zvishavane side after a lengthy service.
Veteran goalkeeper Petros Mhari has also moved away, while star forward Walter Musona is a subject of interest from Simba Bhora and Dynamos.
South African Premiership giants Kaizer Chiefs have had their name also thrown into the fray of those targeting Musona’s signature. DeMbare coach Genesis “Kaka” Mangombe has made it clear he wants to reshuffle his strike force.
The likes of Nyasha Chintuli and Jayden Bakare could leave to pave the way for new arrivals. Already, there are two slots created by the departure of Martin Ofori and Evans Katema.
“For now, we are not talking about any names but obviously our team needs to be strengthened in some areas,” Mangombe said. Soccer Star of the Year finalist and Bulawayo Chiefs striker Obriel Chirinda is also heavily linked with DeMbare.
The 26-year-old Warriors striker scored 12 goals for Chiefs and was just a goal behind the league’s Golden Boot winner Takunda Benhura of Ngezi.
There is also speculation over the future of Dynamos defensive midfielder Junior Makunike, who has impressed a number of clubs, both foreign and local.
Simba Bhora are interested in the 19-year-old starlet, whose composure in the middle of the park belies his age.
Makunike is one of the most underrated players in the league and his omission on the 2023 Soccer Stars calendar came as a surprise to many. He also lost the vote for the league’s Most Promising Player to Dynamos teammate Elton Chikona.
After learning one or two things in their debut season, Simba Bhora are planning to raid the market, but indications are that the Shamva-based outfit will, this time, target youthful players.
Club president Simba “Buju” Ndoro refused to give away much on the issue.
“The debut season was an eye-opener and we learnt a lot,” he said.
“Therefore, we will certainly make some additions and subtractions to our squad,” said Ndoro.
Simba Bhora have also been linked with Triangle’s Ghanaian striker Wilson Mensah.
Rodwell Dhlakama’s Green Fuel, who finished 10th in their debut season, have also hit the ground running on the transfer market amid reports that the experienced coach wants to refresh his squad with more young players. The Chisumbanje side have already landed the signature of speedy teenage winger Tinotenda Meke, who was with relegated Cranborne Bullets.
The 18-year-old Meke was also attracting interest from Ngezi.
His teammate Adam Ngwena is also set for a move, with CAPS United and Green Fuel interested. By the time the 2023 season ended, Dhlakama had reduced the average age of his squad to 24 years after dispensing with the old guard, who include Obey Mwerahari, Eric Chipeta and Ray Uchena.
Premiership runners-up Manica Diamonds could lose the versatile Trevor Mavhunga, who is angling for a move away from the Eastern Highlands.
The lanky player has also been linked with a move back to Dynamos.
Although it might be early days yet, the movement in the administrative corridors of the clubs is pointing to a busy transfer activity, even during the festive season holidays.
X: @LangtonGuraz
Online Reporter