DYNAMOS have slapped a $120 000 price tag on striker Rodreck Mutuma as the player seeks a move to South Africa’s Bloemfontein Celtic.
HENRY MHARA/TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA
The league champions are also understood to be preparing an even higher price for striker Simba Sithole, currently at SuperSport United on trials.
Mutuma returned home last week where he had been on trials at Celtic and Sithole was expected back yesterday.
Media reports yesterday suggested that the two South African clubs had been impressed and they were preparing bids before the close of the January transfer window this week.
A Dynamos executive member yesterday revealed Dynamos had asked for $120 000 for Mutuma.
“Rodreck Mutuma is one of our best players and one of the most talented players in the league. He will not go cheap. Celtic have asked for our offer and we think his value cannot be under $120 000. They promised to come back to us today (yesterday) and we are still waiting,” the source said.
Concerning Sithole, the source said: “SuperSport said they will send their offer today (yesterday) also.
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“But we have agreed that Sithole cannot go for any amount less than $150 000. He is a quality player.”
Dynamos executive chairman Keni Mubaiwa yesterday confirmed that they were expecting communication from the two clubs.
“Negotiations are going on, but I cannot reveal the figures involved at this moment as this might jeopardise the whole process. Rodreck Mutuma is back in the country and we have put forward our fee for the player. We are still waiting for their response. Simba Sithole is still in South Africa, but there has been communication from SuperSport that they are interested in signing him. We are still waiting for their offer. If the offers are good, then we will release the players,” said Mubaiwa.
Mubaiwa yesterday admitted they faced a huge challenge ahead of the continental safari.
“We are facing a real crisis,” said Mubaiwa. “We never anticipated that all of them would impress (respective clubs) and secure contracts. Now we have a challenge to find replacements. We will have to run around and get replacements. If we fail we will have to do with what we have,” he said.
Sithole, who had become the arrowhead of the Dynamos attack since he joined the champions in September from Mamelodi Sundowns, charmed SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt after scoring a brace in a practice match during trials.
The South African club is reported to be now preparing to sign the former Caps United marksman, reported to have already agreed personal terms.
To compound the situation for the Zimbabwe champions, another striker Farai Mupasiri is reported to be going for trials in Turkey or Greece and should he leave the club, coach Kalisto Pasuwa will be left with a severely depleted front line after Martin Vengesayi, one of the players who had also been registered, failed to agree personal terms with the club.
Dynamos were, however, yesterday hoping to pay for the services of Hwange striker Francesco Zikumbawire.
“As for Zikumbawire, we are just tying up some loose ends to the deal. He should be joining us soon,” Mubaiwa added. However, should Dynamos get replacements for the players, they will have to pay a $500 penalty fee for each player they register late.
