Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR Jayden Bakari, a dream move to South Africa’s Betway Premier Soccer League has evaporated at the final moment, deepening the uncertainty surrounding his career.
The 23-year-old striker, whose fortunes have been fluctuating, was poised to join Marumo Gallants.
However, the deal collapsed at the 11th hour after it emerged that the club had exhausted their quota for foreign players.
This also put paid to Bakari’s hopes of joining Warriors goalkeeper Washington Arubi at Marumo Gallants.
This latest disappointment is emblematic of a turbulent period for Bakari.
He burst onto the domestic Premiership scene in 2022, scoring 10 goals for Correctional Services outfit WhaWha and earning the Rookie of the Season accolade.
His performances caught the eye of Dynamos selectors and eventually earned him a move to DeMbare, his childhood club.
After a stint with Dynamos, Bakari switched to their city rival, CAPS United.
CAPS United had been hoping that Bakari would seal a move to Marumo Gallants, and new coach Takesure Chiragwi had not included him in his plans for the upcoming season.
But with the move now off the table and the local Premiership just a month away from kicking off, Bakari finds himself stranded without a club.
He had reportedly turned down some overtures from some local clubs as he had firmly set his sights on a move south of the Limpopo.
Bakari will now have to race against time to secure a local move and join the intense pre-season training camp.
This is because the next South Africa transfer window will now only open in May ahead of their 2026-27 season.
“At the moment he is unattached and available after the last-minute collapse of his intended move to join Marumo Gallants,” said a source close to the player.
“This means that the player will now have to exploit other options locally.
“So, we are looking forward to seeing how everything goes.
“Bakari currently is focused on getting himself fit and working to get the best out of himself, waiting for the right call,” added the source.
As the kick-off to the new season approaches, Bakari’s battle to return to the top of his game faces yet another hurdle, but his handlers remain optimistic even in the face of adversity that he will secure a deal to have another dance with the top-flight.
“It will be well, if one door closes, another one opens.”
