×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

It’s all about the cash, Mukandi tells Caps

Sport
DOMINIC Mukandi has revealed that he dumped Caps United because Dynamos offered him more money.

DOMINIC Mukandi has revealed that he dumped Caps United because Dynamos offered him more money.

BY HENRY MHARA

On Sunday, DeMbare announced the big capture, which might have come as a surprise to many and one that could form another subplot for the big Harare derbies to come this season.

The 28-year-old midfield hardman yesterday confirmed he had joined Dynamos on a one-year deal.

The move is likely to anger Caps United fans, but Mukandi, who picked up form towards the end of last season, is not feeling any guilt.

Mukandi received $8 000 as signing-on fees from Dynamos, $3 000 more than what Caps United were offering.

“It was a difficult decision to leave Caps United, especially for Dynamos, but I had to do it,” he said. “I know some Caps United supporters will be angry, but they also have to understand that I have a family to look after. I did this for myself, my family and my career. Dynamos offered a better signing-on fee and even the salary is much better compared to what I was getting at Caps United. So it was circumstances that forced me more than anything else.”

The imposing midfielder started last season slowly, but picked up later and was almost unplayable when Caps United met Dynamos in a league match in November at Rufaro Stadium, which ended in a one-all draw.

“There is competition at Dynamos, but I know what I’m getting myself into. I love competition and I will fight for a place in the team. I’m very confident that we will win trophies next season because I’m joining a very good side with great quality players,” Mukandi noted.

The former Sundowns player will fight for a place in the team with Walter Mukanga, Stephen Alimenda and another new arrival in Tichaona Chipunza.

Dominic Mukandi

Mukandi’s capture was a major coup for Dynamos and could make up for the loss of their star man Ronald Chitiyo, who joined Harare City together with defender Blessing Moyo.

Two more signings, including a central striker, are expected to join the team before the start of the season.

Some reports suggest that the club is in talks with former midfielder Archford Gutu, who is back from Sweden, where he has been based for the past few years. Dynamos chairman, Keni Mubaiwa said they were planning to collect all the silverware on offer next season.

They have made that intention clear by hiring a foreign coach Paulo Jorge Silva, who replaced Tonderai Ndiraya.

The Portuguese was presented to the players at the team’s training base yesterday, although he is yet to start work because is still to receive a work permit.

“We made some mistakes last season and we lost some matches we were not supposed to lose. It was a rude awakening for the team. We identified areas that we think needed to be corrected and we have done that. We want to win everything next season and I think we have a squad to do that,” Mubaiwa said.

Meanwhile, Caps United will begin their pre-season training this afternoon.

The team has also made some significant changes to the squad, as they look to wrest the league title they last won more than a decade ago.

They have added to their squad the returning trio of Ronald Pfumbidzai, Method Mwanjali and Simba Sithole.

Dennis Dauda, the 2014 Soccer Star of the Year, has also joined, and so have Allan Gahadzikwa and Kebby Kamhapa.

Those who have made way are Godknows Mangani and Takudzwa Mahori, who are believed to be on their way to ZPC Kariba, while Michael Mwenye and George Nyirenda have also been shown the exit door.

The squad gathered for a team bonding session yesterday at Lake Chivero before their formal meeting this afternoon.