Harare Bureau
HARARE giants Dynamos say their squad for the Champions League is not yet complete and are hunting for a striker to strengthen their attack despite the expiry of the Confederation of African Football registration deadline yesterday. DeMbare had submitted a 24-member squad list to the Caf offices two weeks ago but with a depleted strikeforce comprising only three players.

The club’s secretary-general Webster Chikengezha yesterday said the Premiership kings will seek to bolster their attack which currently has Simba Sithole, Patrick Khumbula and Washington Pakamisa.

However the Caf deadline for registering players closed yesterday although teams have the provision to alter their squad lists until January 15 provided they pay a $500 late registration fee charged for every addition.

DeMbare, who had targeted the FC Platinum duo of Nelson Maziwisa and Donald Ngoma to strengthen their strikeforce claim that they have been frustrated by lack of funds to lure a host of targetted new players.

Chikengezha, however said they had not given up on their search.
“I understand that the coaches are thinking of getting another striker or an attacking midfielder. We will stand guided by them since there is still that provision to add players to our squad.

“Otherwise our squad list has already been registered at Caf. We sent it through during the middle of the month and we were only looking at making a few additions up until the December 31 deadline since we were still hoping to get one or two more players,” said Chikengezha.

Dynamos have retained the bulk of the players from the squad that won the championship and have only managed to bring three new players after registering former Chicken Inn and Triangle midfielder Walter Mukanga, defender Themba Ndlovu and Ronald Chitiyo.

The Harare giants were hoping to put Tafadzwa Rusike’s name on the list by yesterday but it emerged that negotiations with the player and his management had still not been finalised.

Chikengezha on Monday night told our Harare Bureau that they had agreed terms with the player’s manager and were expecting the 24-year old former Caps United and Ajax Cape Town star to sign a one-year deal yesterday.

But by close of business Rusike had not put pen to paper and it would now appear that Dynamos may have to consider a late registration for the diminutive winger if they manage to strike a deal with the player.

“We are still negotiating and we talked with the manager  today (yesterday). I believe the deal is as good as done,” said Chikengezha.
DeMbare have taken the bold step to go it alone in the Champions League this year after their sponsors BanABC, who backed them in the last two seasons, advised that they would not be able to partner them in this campaign.

The club has since put their fundraising drive in motion and will be engaging their supporters and other well-wishers to make donations starting this week. DeMbare need no less than $400,000 to reach the group stages of the competition.

Dynamos have asked their supporters and well-wishers to donate through the EcoCash and Net One’s One Wallet platforms. Chikengezha said they would ensure transparency with names of the people who make contributions and the amounts set to be published every week.

The Harare giants also partnered Telecel and will soon launch sms competitions across the three networks, with lucky supporters set to win tickets to accompany the team to some of the games during their African safari.

DeMbare were drawn against Mochudi Centre Chiefs of Botswana in the preliminary round and will begin at home on February 8 before travelling a week later for the return leg.

“I believe if we start now by the time we reach month end we should have enough money for the first match against Mochudi Centre Chiefs. We have approved a quotation to host Botswana’s Mochudi Centre Chiefs and the bill is in the region of $22,000 for their accommodation alone.

“Those willing to help pay for the services can do so directly to the service providers. Assistance of any kind is welcome,” said Chikengezha.
Dynamos squad

Goalkeepers:– George Chigova, Artwell Mukandi, Tatenda Mukuruva

Defenders:– Augustine Mbara, Gift Bello, Partson Jaure, Thomas Magorimbo, Ocean Mushure, Sydney Linyama, Victor Kamhuka, Oscar Machapa, Themba Ndlovu

Midfielders:– Murape Murape, Devon Chafa, Tawanda Muparati, Cliff Sekete, Stephen Alimenda, Russell Madamombe, Boban Zirintusa, Ronald Chitiyo, Walter Mukanga

Strikers:– Simba Sithole, Patrick Khumbula, Washington Pakamisa

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