FORMER Harare City striker Kuda Kumwala has emerged a surprise target for Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa, who wants to strengthen his team to challenge for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title next season.
BY HENRY MHARA
Mutasa is keen for new additions to the squad that came just short of winning the title last year, and has identified five players that he thinks can improve his team in the next campaign.
A source yesterday told NewsDaySport that Mutasa will this morning present his wish list to the club executive.
Some of the big names on Mutasa’s hit list include William Manondo, Raphael Manuvire and two goalkeepers, but it is Kumwala’s name that will surely surprise the team’s followers.
The technical team is expected to meet the players today in a bid to convince them to join the giants.
It appears the Dynamos coach is looking for back-up to support main striker Christian Ntouba, whose future at the Harare giants is also still to be confirmed.
“There is still uncertainty over the future of Christian Ntouba, so coach Lodza (Mutasa) is looking for another striker just in case. He has identified Kuda, whom he thinks has the potential to be a top striker,” said the source.
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Ntouba, who still has a one-year contract with Dynamos, came close to sealing a move to South African top-flight side Bidvest Wits a fortnight ago, but an injury he picked during trials put paid to his hopes of securing the move.
However, reports linking him away refuse to go away, and it seems Mutasa is not taking any chances.
“Kuda is actually on top of the list and it would not be very difficult to get him because he is a free agent. Even if Christian does not leave, the coach is looking for a reliable back-up. Remember the team’s season suffered a lot during the time when Christian was injured and suspended. That is where the campaign came off the rails. When he returned, he took time to regain his form, and by the time he started to score again, other teams had created a gap. The coach would not want that situation again,” added the source.
Kumwala joined Harare City in 2015 amid high expectations after an explosive season with Division One side Hartley Academy, but failed to establish himself in the Sunshine City squad, as he was restricted to cameo roles. He is part of the crew whose contracts were not renewed by City at the end of the year.
The source added that besides Manondo and Manuvire, whose links with DeMbare have been widely reported, Mutasa is also looking to bring in a goalkeeper with Bantu Rovers keeper Wellington Muuya and Takudzwa Ndoro, the twin brother of Warriors striker Tendai Ndoro, the possible recruits.
“He (Mutasa) will also add at least two Under-20 players and he has already identified them.”
The meeting is also expected to discuss the future of midfielder Tichaona Chipunza, who is yet to commit himself to a new contract. The combative midfielder has reportedly demanded that Dynamos settle his dues from the previous deal before he can commit to a new contract.
