Zimpapers Logo

Richard Chihoro

Sports Reporter
Giants CAPS United and Dynamos are set to trim down their squads this weekend after welcoming large numbers of players on trials when they started their preparations for the new season.The trials were a reaction to the loss of some of the players who played key roles in both clubs’ campaigns last year.

Champions Dynamos have parted ways with captain Murape Murape and his two assistants Thomas Magorimbo and Tawanda Muparati.

Soccer Star of the Year finalist Themba Ndlovu, Ronald Chitiyo, and Devon Chafa have shifted bases to other clubs while Washington Pakamisa’s move to Mozambique is almost done.

There is also a huge cloud of uncertainty over the availability of the quartet of Roderick Mutuma, Russell Madamombe, Tafadzwa Rusike and Simba Sithole as negotiations for the players appear to have stalled.

DeMbare team manager Richard Chihoro said they will hold a practice match against Mushowani today and another match is set for tomorrow behind closed doors before they can make a decision on the players.

“After those two games that is when we are going to see who is staying and who is not. Everything could be settled at the weekend.  By Monday we should have a provisional list of our squad for this season, 25 seniors and the five junior players,” said Chihoro.

Dynamos now have about 24 players confirmed on their books after adding six during the off season.

The Premiership champions have brought on board Obey Mwerahari, Qadr Amini, Tonderai Mateyaunga, Carlos Rusere, Nigel Gandari and Kenneth Bulaji.

Their rivals CAPS United have been facing a more complex situation.

The Green Machine recently held countrywide search for talent and they still attracted over 100 hopefuls on the first day of their pre-season training this week.

Although they have indicated they will go for unheralded players, the Green Machine had a host of Premiership players such as Witness Nyamutsaka, Raymond Uchena, Smart Muchabaiwa, Carlos Mesi, Victor Twaliki, Ronald Maketo trying their luck at the club.

Former players such as Itai Chiwara, Leonard Tsipa and Tendai Gwata were also part of the cast as they sought an opportunity to revive their careers with the side.

Makepekepe have already lost captain Tapiwa Khumbuyani, Tafadzwa Dube, Bulaji and Tendai Samanja.

Want-away forward Dominic Chungwa, Stephen Makatuka and Ronald Pfumbidzayi missed the club’s training session again yesterday.

The trio is part of the seven players who have dragged the club to the Labour Court seeking redress over unpaid signing-on fees and other financial benefits they were entitled to last year.

Team manager George Gumbo said they are looking to finalise the trials today.

Assistant coaches Brenna Msiska and Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi have been taking charge of the team in the absence of newly appointed Englishman, Mark Harrison.

“We had to close the gates because people just kept coming even when we had thought we had given everyone a chance.  Today (yesterday) we had about 60 people and I am sure the coaches will need to trim down the numbers to more manageable levels.

“I don’t think it will be a big problem because the coaches have the core of their squad.  We just want to beef up in some areas. But as we have said before, our preference is players who haven’t yet made names in their playing careers,” said Gumbo.