Ndiraya raves about new-look squad

Sport
TONDERAI Ndiraya might be yet to lead his new-look side in a competitive match this year following the delayed start to the season due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the Dynamos coach appears to be more than satisfied with the arsenal at his disposal.

BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE

TONDERAI Ndiraya might be yet to lead his new-look side in a competitive match this year following the delayed start to the season due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the Dynamos coach appears to be more than satisfied with the arsenal at his disposal.

Ndiraya had so much to brag about introducing his new-look squad during a colourful function to launch the sales and distribution arrangement between the club and their sponsors Gold Leaf Tobacco on Thursday.

Last season Ndiraya decried the lack of quality all season-long in his faltering team that finished the season in ninth position.

The club has since brought in 13 new signings for the upcoming season, some of them top players such as Soccer Star of the Year finalist King Nadolo, Partson Jaure, Taimon Mvula and Juan Mutudza.

Fresh from an attachment stint at Belgian top-flight team KV Mechelen, Ndiraya publicly spoke for the first time on the new signings declaring Nadolo the club’s best signing during the transfer window.

“King Nadolo was one of the best players in the country last year. He is very good and will play a very big role for us this year. He is the best among those we acquired this year and rest assured he will light up the Rufaro atmosphere,” Ndiraya said of the attacking midfielder.

“He is coming from TelOne, but he has also played for Highlanders, so that gives him a lot of experience to handle the demanding Dynamos supporters,” he added.

The former Ngezi Platinum Stars gaffer was also full of praise for former ZPC Kariba star Tinotenda Chiunye and revealed why he pursued the player.

“The reason why we took Tinotenda is because he gave young Tinotenda Muringai a torrid time when we played against Kariba last year. Judging by that performance and many other impressive showings in other matches, we thought it was good to sign him. We expect a lot from him this season.

Ndiraya also spoke highly of Partson Jaure, Sylvester Appiah, David Temwajira and Juan Mutudza.

“Jaure is our captain; he is coming back to the club after going away for some time. Partson once played in SA, when he came back I took him to Ngezi when he was about to come to Dynamos. This year we had to call on him to come back and assist the team.

“Appiah is a Ghanaian national and he was playing for ZPC Kariba. He is going to be competing for the centre back position. His nickname is The Rock meaning that he is a rock-solid defender.

“I remember Temwanjira scoring about nine goals in six months when he was turning out for Shabanie Mine FC in 2018. We are hoping that David will rediscover that scoring form. He is going to carry the burden of scoring goals for the demanding Dynamos fans.

“Mutudza is a very good player who was outstanding for Herentals last year and that pushed us to bring him into the fold. And we are confident that he can do the same for us this season,” Ndiraya said going through the list of the Dynamos squad.

Other players tipped to shine by Ndiraya include midfielder Barnabas Mushunje, Cameroonian Albert Eonde and youngster Tanaka Chidhobha.

The Dynamos coach also demanded top performances from players who were retained by the club from last season such as trio of Jarrison Selemani, Emmanuel Jalai and Ngandu Mangala.

While revealing that he would have wanted more signings, Ndiraya would not promise the league title, which has been elusive for the club in the past six years. Instead he assured that the team would produce some exciting results.

“You are never satisfied as a coach, you always want more, but I think we have to be content with what we got this year. We brought in some exciting youngsters and experience that should blend well to take our club where it should be,” said Ndiraya.

“Look out for some exciting results. If we could go on a 19-match unbeaten run with a below average team last season, what more can we do with the team we have this year?

“We are in for quite an exciting season. We will do the best we can to prepare the Dynamos squad into a team that we all want. Dynamos should always be in the top four, which gives you a greater chance of fighting for the title,” he said.