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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS chairman Kenny Mubaiwa has labelled defender Gift Bello a “rebel” following the diminutive player’s decision to cross the floor and join rivals FC Platinum this week.
Bello’s departure caught DeMbare by surprise as they had registered the player for the Champions League, which gets underway this weekend, while negotiating for the renewal of his contract.

Mubaiwa yesterday told The Herald they agreed terms with Bello and were expecting him to put pen to paper.
“Bello is a rebel and I don’t know if we are going to see another (rebel) from the players here,” said Mubaiwa.

“It may sound a strong word to call him rebel but the reason I used the word is because if you remember last month we had a meeting with the players here.

“We discussed with him and we agreed terms. He was supposed to come and get his contract from the secretary but the next thing we heard was that he had run away.

“There are always channels to follow when one wants to leave which does not strain relations. One day he might want to come back and it will be difficult to accept him.”

The DeMbare chairman also denied that they leave it until late to tie down players to their contracts.
“We always negotiate early with the players but the main issue is around money. It’s a big challenge but where we are going right now it looks bright,” said Mubaiwa.

“I think we will be able to compete with other teams on the market.”
DeMbare will host Mochudi Centre Chiefs in the first leg of the Champions League preliminary round at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The club decided to go it alone this year after their sponsors BancABC indicated they were not able to bankroll them in the competition.
“Things are tight at the moment. We have no money but as far as the weekend game is concerned we are covered. But we are not saying if there are others who want to help they shouldn’t come,” said Mubaiwa.

“Our Ecocash platform is still open to those interested in helping. Gate charges for this match have been pegged at US$3 for rest of the ground, US$10 for the bays 15-18 and US$20 for the VVIP.

“We are also saying that privilege cards will not be accepted at the gates on Sunday. Because of the difficult situation we find ourselves in, people should pay since we would like to raise resources.”

Dynamos coach Callisto Pasuwa has warned the new players to brace for the pressure that comes with playing for the Harare giants.
The club yesterday held a luncheon at East 24 restaurant in Harare where new players were introduced to the board of directors.
Dynamos have roped in five players – Tafadzwa Rusike, Walter Mukanga, Masimba Mambare, Ronald Chitiyo and Themba Ndlovu – to beef up their squad.

Pasuwa said new players should not expect a smooth ride on and off the field.
“Dynamos is a big institution which has a strong backing which makes it is a people’s team. Many things happen and a lot is said but I urge you (the players) to close your ears to some of the things,” said Pasuwa.

“There are many expectations at this club and we should strive to maintain the standards. Most of us are still learning, though.
“We came and saw the team at a certain stage and we have to leave it there or even better. There is need to be disciplined and to control yourselves.”

Pasuwa is worried about the fitness of some of his players.
“Physical fitness is key. One big disadvantage that we have here is the calendar and this, obviously, affects match fitness,” said Pasuwa.
“When this tournament starts we will actually be coming from the off-season break when other countries are in the middle of their schedules.

“But on our side we have players who were involved in the CHAN tournament which ended recently and we also had the other guys here who did not break for long during the off-season.

“Football being football, it’s all about combinations. We have to see our levels of match fitness. Basing on those reports we received about the players here we will have to blend them with those that were in South Africa so that we come up with a strong team for the weekend.”

Pasuwa who arrived back home on Tuesday continued to monitor the players when they engaged in an afternoon training session.

Pasuwa also acknowledged the assistance that his lieutenants Tichaona Diya, Philemon Mutyakureva and team manager Richard Chihoro received from their vice-chairman Mandigora during his month-long absence at the CHAN tournament.

“It’s not easy for a person in the office of vice-chairman to humble himself like this and actually come to the training ground to train with the team.

“He did a great job during my absence. When I came back I found the team in very good shape. It’s a collective responsibility and now I am urging the players to carry on with the spirit and finish the job on Sunday,” said Pasuwa.