Sundaymail EditorREIGNING Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda is a prime target for new Harare City coach Taurai Mangwiro, who is also reportedly eyeing a reunion with the Caps United duo of Tendai Samanja and veteran goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube.
Dauda, a revelation at fairytale Premiership newcomers ZPC Kariba, who almost wrestled the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title from Dynamos, made a surprise appearance at Harare City football club’s end of year awards ceremony held on Friday night.
Although Mangwiro, who has been given a top six target for the 2015 season by the City Fathers, played down Dauda’s presence at the club’s function, secretary-general Mathew Marara confirmed that the club would move for Dauda “if he is available on the market”.
“Our defence has been the main problem, so obviously we will go into the market to search for a defender, If Dauda is available on the market, he could make an interesting signing.
“We were just waiting for these awards, now we are getting down to the business of player movements .
“Obviously we will strengthen our team and we will be checking on Dauda’s status,” said Marara whose side conceded 44 goals in the 2014 season.
The 26-year-old skilful defender, whose contract with ZPC Kariba expires at the end of this month, made a veiled admission of contact but could not shed more light when asked for a comment, referring the issue to his new manager Edzai Kasinauyo.
“I have heard that a number of clubs are interested in my services but I can’t talk much right now, it is best you speak to my new manager Kasinauyo . . . I just came here in support of a friend,” said Dauda at the ceremony where veteran defender David Kutyauripo was named Harare City’s Player of the Year.
Kasinauyo could not be reached for comment as his phone went unanswered yesterday while Mangwiro could not be drawn into revealing much.
“Dennis is the Soccer Star of the Year and he can grace occasions like these, actually we are still to decide as the technical team which players to off-load or engage.
“Right now I am occupied with the ongoing Confederation of African Football A-Licence course, so I think after it finishes we will have something to talk about,” said Mangwiro.
Mangwiro is assisting highly regarded CAF instructor Dominic Niyonzima of Burundi, who is running the course that is being attended by a number of Premiership coaches at the ZIFA Village in Harare.
Mangwiro has also been linked with a move for the Caps United duo of Soccer Star of the Year finalist Samanja and influential goal minder Dube as part of his plans to revamp a Harare City side that survived relegation on the last day of action in the just-ended season.
Samanja, who has also been tipped to join cash-rich FC Platinum, confirmed yesterday that Harare City had sounded him.
“For now I can say the move to FC Platinum has been put on hold and as for City, all I can say is there is contact but nothing concrete has been reached as yet,” Samanja told The Sunday Mail yesterday morning.
Mangwiro and club secretary Marara engaged in a long discussion with the dreadlocked Samanja at the Soccer Star of the Year awards ceremony held last week.
However, City could face stiff competition for the experienced Dube’s signature as close confidants claim that the shot stopper is also on the radar of both the league champions Dynamos and the financially-oiled FC Platinum.
Online Reporter