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DYNAMOS’ Champions League firepower has suffered a setback with reports that Evans Gwekwerere is eyeing a move to the club's namesake in South Africa.
Gwekwerere becomes the fourth high-profile player unlikely to feature for DeMbare in the African Safari next year. The other players who dumped Dynamos are Highlanders Zephaniah Ngodzo, Stephen Alimenda and Hwange’s Farai Vimisayi.
DeMbare has submitted a 27-member Champions League squad to the Confederation of African Football, which remains a “wish list” as most of the players are opting out.
Burzil Dube, the Hwange secretary said the colliery side was not releasing the Soccer Star of the Year finalist Vimisayi to DeMbare.
“We have never been approached by Dynamos and if they do we are not releasing him. We have big plans for the player. Farai still has a three-year contract with Hwange. He is our star player, “Dube said.
Highlanders’ secretary Andrew Tapela has announced that the Bulawayo club is not releasing their prized skipper Ngodzo and playmaker Alimenda.
DeMbare is likely to be a “skeleton” outfit come the Champions League next year as some of the players’ contracts have run out. The club is currently in negotiation with Chapungu to retain the services of striker Philip Marufu after his loan period lapsed in early December.
Gwekwerere’s move will rob DeMbare of a trusted marksman. The former Moroka Swallows and Jomos Cosmos forward has impressed the Polokwane-based First Division side Dynamos.
He is currently negotiating personal terms with the South African club.
Gwekwerere’s manager Douglas Tanyanyiwa said he would “talk about his move later”.
The 24-year-old striker dumped Jomo Cosmos before the start of the season and joined DeMbare on a six-month-long contract.
Gwekwerere inspired Jomo Cosmos back into the premiership before moving to Vietnam where he was said to have secured a two-year deal with V-League side Hai Phong FC. The deal, however, collapsed under unclear circumstances.
Gwekwerere’s move to South Africa will also lessen Dynamos’ striking options. The club has two forwards registered for the Champions League — Marufu and Benjamin Marere. The team was also hoping to add Vimisayi but their plans have been dashed.
The club did not register striker Cuthbert Malajila who is hoping to seal a move to Democratic Republic of Congo side FC Lupopo.
The Glamour Boys have also ended their relationship with goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura, who has since completed his move to FC Lupopo. So have midfielders Carrington Gomba and Mtshumayeli Moyo who appear to be heading to the DRC.
Dynamos 2010 Champions League Squad:
Washington Arubi, Willard Manyatera, Munyaradzi Diya, Stephen Alimenda (out), Thabani Kamusoko, Dylan Chivandire, Isaac Pitamuja, Matthew Mahala, Khumbulani Banda, Phillip Marufu, Murape Murape, Desmond Maringwa, Brighton Tuwaya, Milton Makopa, George Magariro, Ashley Rambanepasi, Wonder Sithole, Nicholas Alifandika, Augustine Mbara, Eddie Mashiri, Benjamin Marere, Guthrie Zhokinyi, Zephania Ngodzo (out), Farai Vimisayi (out), Phillip Sithole, Tafadzwa Maingire and Evans Gwekwerere (out).
BY FANUEL VIRIRI
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