Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE international striker Takesure Chinyama was on the brink of completing his move to South African Premiership champions Orlando Pirates last night. The Dynamos forward underwent a medical at the Soweto giants yesterday and his representatives were last night locked in discussions with the Pirates’ leadership.
It’s now very likely that a deal could be sealed sooner than widely expected.
The representatives were trying to structure a deal that would allow Chinyama to return home and try and help Dynamos qualify for the group stages of the Confederation Cup.
The Glamour Boys take on Angolan side, InterClube, in the first leg of the final qualifying round at Rufaro on Sunday.
Chinyama is one of three key Dynamos players set to leave for Super Diski clubs within the next few weeks.
Goalkeeper Washington Arubi — the 2011 Soccer Star of the Year — could also move after newly-promoted Super Diski side, Pretoria University, tabled a bid for him.
All that remains is for Arubi and his representatives to decide whether they accept the terms of the deal being offered by the South African side.
Pretoria University have also offered Dynamos hotshot, Denver Mukamba, a weeklong trial period but the club believes Arubi doesn’t need to come for trials.
Mukamba is also now being chased by SuperSport United who have also given Hwange captain, Rodwell Chinyengetere, a chance to break into the South African Premiership.
Chinyengetere, who made his debut for the Warriors in the Nations Cup qualifier against Burundi at the National Sports Stadium, was set to fly into South Africa yesterday.
Mukamba’s handlers have also structured a deal where the lanky midfielder will return home this weekend to play for DeMbare in the Confederation Cup.
Former Dynamos defender, Thomas Sweswe, yesterday joined compatriot Tinashe Nengomasha at Bidvest Wits after penning a two-year deal with the Johannesburg side.
Sweswe’s move had been a subject of speculation since it became clear that he was leaving Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs two weeks ago.
But the Zimbabwe international, who turns 31 this year, confirmed to The Herald yesterday that despite reports linking him to Sunday Chidzambwa’s Black Leopards, he had opted to move to Wits. Sweswe said he cherished the two seasons that he spent at the Naturena and promised to give Wits value for their money.
“It’s a two-year deal and I am happy that I have signed with a Johannesburg club. I am at home here in Johannesburg and I aim to continue working hard, as I have always done, to help my new club win trophies,” said Sweswe.
Sweswe said he was glad to reunite with his former captain, both at Chiefs and in the national team, Tinashe Nengomasha, who joined the Clever Boys at the weekend. Wits are hoping to turn around the tide after experiencing a difficult season in which they finished a disappointing 12th on the log table.
Nengomasha signed a three-year contract with Wits after spending close to 11 years at Chiefs, where he is hailed as a legend.
According to reports, Chiefs are also mooting plans to host a testimonial match in his honour some time next year.
“It also feels good that I will be playing with Tinashe. We come a long way together from the juniors up to the senior national team.
“We were also played together at Chiefs and I believe we make a good team,” said Sweswe.
Another Zimbabwean, goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro, is also on the Wits books.
Sweswe joined Chiefs ahead of the 2009-2010 season from Dynamos, having previously played for Manning Rangers along with former Warriors defender Dazzy Kapenya.
But, with the arrival of South Africa internationals Morgan Gould and Siboniso Gaxa, Sweswe’s place in defence was no longer guaranteed at the Naturena.
Chiefs also have Zimbabwean international, Lincolin Zvasiya, among their complement of defenders.
CAPS United players Rahman Kutsanzira and Edmore Chafungamoyo have also joined the long queue of players on the great trek down south as they prepare for trials at Absa Premiership side SuperSport and Bidvest Wits.
The pair was supposed to leave today but the trip may not materialise as all the paperwork was still being sorted out by yesterday. The Gunners duo of Byrom Madzokere and Fungai Chihuri are on trials at AmaZulu.