Castle Lager Premier Soccer League giants Dynamos are battling to tie down star defender Frank Mukarati to a new contract amid interest from several foreign and local clubs.
Mukarati was one of the outstanding players on the domestic soccer scene last year and was duly recognised by a special panel which voted him one of the country’s soccer stars for the 2022 season. That he was the only player from the Glamour Boys to make the cut speaks to his outstanding performance. Although Chicken Inn and Ngezi Platinum are reported to have tabled offers for the defender, Dynamos have the best offer on the local front so far.
Mukarati’s contract with Dynamos ran out on December 31. Although the player’s handlers want continuity especially with Dynamos tabling an improved offer for a new deal, their dream to retain the player could be shattered with Tanzanian clubs Singinda United and Kiyatose also battling to secure his signature.
The reported interest from these local and foreign clubs is unsurprising considering that the defender went beyond the call of duty this season. Although Dynamos were beaten to the championship by FC Platinum despite having led the table at some point before running out of gas to finish in third place behind former champions Chicken Inn, that could not take away his contribution to the club. Unsurprisingly, Dynamos want him to stay on as they bid to reclaim the championship they last won under the guidance of Kalisto Pasuwa way back in 2014. During that period, Pasuwa led the Glamour Boys to four straight championships between 2011 and 2014. And with former Dynamos coach of the development side Herbert Maruwa having been appointed new coach to replace Tonderai Ndiraya whose contract was not renewed following a disappointing season, the Glamour Boys are looking to the new season with optimism.
DeMbare have since wielded the axe on seven players including skipper Patson Jaure and defender Godknows Murwira.
The clear-out has also claimed the scalps of Keith Murera, Ralph Kawondera and the foreign trio of Sylvester Appiah, Albert Eonde and Alex Orotomal.
Star midfielder Trevor Mavhunga has also asked to leave while Dynamos is also negotiating with Evans Katema for his exit since he still has a running contract.
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