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Langton Nyakwenda
AS the domestic mid-season transfer window shifts into gear, a bidding war is brewing among some Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs over Cranborne Bullets star midfielder Eric Manokore.
The transfer window opened on July 1, coincidentally the day Premiership action resumed after a three-week break occasioned by the closure of the National Sports Stadium.
Some clubs have already made their moves, while others are still weighing their options as the 2023 championship marathon nears the halfway stage. Cranborne Bullets, who are gradually becoming a trusted source of good players, are at the centre of a potential transfer war with CAPS United once again.
CAPS are understood to be interested in the 30-year-old Manokore.
He has been one of the standout players in the league so far and has attracted interest from Highlanders, Green Fuel and struggling newboys Simba Bhora.
Green Fuel are reported to have made initial contact on Friday.
Bullets have already lost skipper Tadiwa Chibunyu to Chicken Inn, while full-back Malvern Mudzura is on Highlanders’ radar.
Last year, Cranborne Bullets revived Jarrison Selemani’s career, before the winger was snapped up by champions FC Platinum during the off-season. Another Bullets product, Malvern Hwata, was lured by Chicken Inn in February 2022.
Although the bulk of his players are being targeted by rival teams, coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera appears unfazed.
He actually thinks the development is an endorsement of their ability to “identify and groom” players. “Losing a lot of players to me is not a big problem because I believe in identifying young players and developing them into real players,” Saruchera said. “I will be very happy if I lose the whole team because I will recruit again. I will move around and get some good players as well.
“In fact, I am happy as a coach because it shows I am working really hard.”
Powerhouses Dynamos and Highlanders are yet to make their moves, but DeMbare are understood to be in the hunt for a reputable forward. They were interested in Manica Diamonds and the league’s leading scorer Fortune Binzi, but the striker is out for six weeks after fracturing his left hand last weekend.
Dynamos are now targeting former Bulawayo City, CAPS United and JDR Stars forward Ishmael Wadi.
The Glamour Boys have already loaned out veteran striker Evans Katema to basement side Black Rhinos.
According to Black Rhinos secretary Edward Mutukwa, the soldiers have also roped in former Yadah Stars and Dynamos midfielder Nkosi Mhlanga and Cliff Chitsamba.
Goalkeeper Lenon Gonese and returnee Lot Chiwunga featured for the army side when they lost 1-2 against Dynamos at Bata Stadium in Gweru last Sunday.
Log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars are unlikely to make any additions in the current window following an impressive run.
“We haven’t made any new signing and there are no chances we will beef up,” Ngezi coach Takesure Chiragwi said.
After managing just nine goals in their opening 13 matches, Yadah felt they needed another striker and engaged former Harare City gunman Jerry Chipangura when the window opened.
Also in need of a striker are ZPC Kariba, who recently appointed journeyman Luke “Vahombe” Masomere as coach two weeks ago.
Masomere had a perfect return to the PSL as he masterminded ZPC Kariba’s 2-1 victory over Yadah at Nyamhunga Stadium last weekend.
“It was a good start, a very good game and well-balanced but one in which we used our chances and won it.
“But I think we should have scored more than two goals. So, definitely, we are going to make some additions at the back and upfront,” said Masomere.
“There is a need for a change of mentality at our club, but I am happy almost everyone is adjusting to the new norm. Everyone has to pull in the same direction.”
But Sheasham have already made their move.
The “Construction Boys” announced the arrival of 36-year-old striker Kuda Musharu and former Harare City winger Dinoleen Masukuta.
Musharu has left Bulawayo Chiefs, who could also lose the duo of veteran linkman Danny “Deco” Phiri and bustling striker Obriel Chirinda, as they are set for a sensational reunion with Chicken Inn.
The Gamecocks have already signed top prospect Obert Malajila, who is the younger brother of former Warriors vice captain Cuthbert.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter