IN a move designed to douse the flames of transfer speculation and steady a rocking ship, Dynamos have handed the captain’s armband to midfield hardman Shadreck Nyahwa.
The appointment serves as a definitive hands-off warning to suitors like Hardrock and TelOne, who had been circling the midfielder.
Rumours of Nyahwa’s exit reached a boiling point last week when he failed to pitch up at training for several days, just as Hardrock publicly ramped up their pursuit.
But in a dramatic U-turn this week, the left-footed enforcer returned to the training ground, not just as a player, but as the designated leader of the Glamour Boys’ new era.
He inherits the mantle from Emmanuel Jalai, who recently departed for the riches of the South African topflight with Durban City.
A senior executive official, speaking to NewsDay Sport on condition of anonymity, dismissed the recent drama as white noise.
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“Nyahwa has a running contract until December 31. We were never worried about the rumours because he had given us his word,” the official said.
“He is one of the few senior heads left, and we value his leadership. That is why he is our captain.”
While the captaincy comes with significant perks — including a high-end club vehicle — the executive warned that the armband does not guarantee a spot on the pitch.
“We have assembled a very strong squad, and he, just like everyone else, will have to work very hard to get a place in the team,” the official added.
Nyahwa stands as a bridge between the past and the future.
A brutal player exodus at the end of last year saw the club retain barely a dozen players.
The spine of the team that secured a third consecutive Chibuku Super Cup has been ripped out, with stars like Jalai, Temptation Chiwunga, goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa, Vusa Ngwenya, and Felix Hammond all moving on to greener pastures.
In response, DeMbare have triggered a recruitment drive through a trial process, and unveiled a “provisional squad” with 17 new faces, an influx that feels like a total reboot.
Notable new signings include goalkeeper Mathias Kigoya, defenders Isaac Landu (DRC), Collin Mujuru and attackers Perfect Chikwende, Trevor Mavhunga, William Manondo and Moses Demera.
The new-look Dynamos side will face an immediate litmus test.
They are scheduled to play arch-rivals Highlanders in a charity match on February 15 in Bulawayo, followed by a high-stakes clash against league champions Scottland in the season-opening Castle Challenge Cup.
The overhaul extends beyond the pitch as the club has welcomed back head coach Genesis Mangombe, while Vincent Chawonza has returned as executive chairman.
After a harrowing campaign last year where they survived relegation on the final day, DeMbare supporters will be hoping this radical rebuild brings more than just a fresh coat of paint.