Castle Lager Premier Soccer League giants, Dynamos could lose goalkeeper, Tatenda Mukuruva (pictured) over their failure to pay the Warriors number one’s signing-on fees, as his contract expires at the end of the month.
BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA
Mukuruva’s current deal runs out on December 31, but Dynamos cannot open negotiations with the player for an extension, as they have not fully honoured the current one.
This has left the former champions exposed to the possibility of losing one of their prized assets.
Well-placed sources told NewsDay Sport this week that the cash-strapped club has been left stranded, as there are no prospects of securing funds for signing-on fees any time soon.
The club is struggling to raise funds to sign players for the 2017 season.
“His (Mukuruva) situation is a bit complex in that they owe him signing-on fees, so they cannot start any negotiations before that is settled,” the source said. “It’s highly unlikely that he will be at Dynamos next season. Dynamos have no money for signing-on fees and it’s complicated for players like Mukuruva, who are owed.”
Mukuruva is set to travel with the national team to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Gabon in January and he could be snapped up by foreign clubs if he does well at the tournament.
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Dynamos treasurer, Webster Marechera could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Dynamos have not entered into negotiations with several other players, whose contracts expire at the end of the month, among them Soccer Star of the Year finalist, Godknows Murwira, defender, Ocean Mushure and skipper, Stephen Alimenda, due to lack of funds.
With their marriage with BancABC — the club’s principal sponsors — also coming to an end in December, the situation is less rosy.
BancABC used to give the Harare giants $80 000 for signing-on fees annually, but this year, the bank limited itself to salaries only.
The financial troubles saw Dynamos struggle in the transfer market ahead of the 2016 season, where they lost key players, Ronald Chitiyo and Blessing Moyo to Harare City, while other potential signings moved elsewhere, as the club dithered on monetary issues.
Archford Gutu had intended to join Dynamos, as had Liberty Chakoroma, but they eventually signed for Caps United and Ngezi Platinum Stars, respectively.
Former ZPC Kariba forward, Raphael Manuvire was set to sign for Dynamos until Harare City arrived with a firm and better offer.
The Harare giants also lost captain, Augustine Mbara to South African club, Highlands Park.
Dynamos have in the past been blamed for failure to retain their key players, with critics pointing out that they wait until the expiry of the contracts to start negotiations.
