By Eddie Chikamhi
TANZANIAN club Young Africans continue to flex their financial muscle by luring Zimbabwean players to the East African country after CAPS United defender Method Mwanjali became the latest player to be linked with the side.
The former Warriors skipper left for Tanzania early yesterday morning on a day CAPS United also cleared goalkeeper Chris Mverechena to join newboys Ngezi Platinum Stars on a short-term loan.
Makepekepe then registered former Warriors goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda as cover for Jorum Muchambo and 16-year-old prodigy Issa Ali.
Team manager Shakespeare Chinogwenya confirmed that Mwanjali could be on the way out as indications pointed to the possibility he might not return to see his contract through at Makepekepe.
“Method left early morning today (yesterday).
“I am not sure how long he will stay there, but it looks like he might not come back. From the look of things, it seems these guys already are impressed.
“I am sure they have watched some of his videos and if they are to take him through trials I think that would be a mere formality,” said Chinogwenya
Young Africans, who are the Tanzania mainland champions, are also home to former FC Platinum duo of Donald Ngoma and Thabani Kamusoko.
They hold the distinction of being the most successful club in that country’s league with 21 titles.
Kamusoko and Ngoma helped the club retain their title in the previous season and are currently playing in the Confederation Cup group stages.
And it now appears the Tanzanians have been charmed by the players in the Zimbabwean league as last month they raided FC Platinum again and swooped on Zambian striker Obrey Chirwa.
Yanga are also linked with another FC Platinum player Walter Musona and in-form Highlanders utility man Bruce Kangwa.
Chinogwenya said they have enough arsenal to replace Mwanjali who returned to Makepekepe last year after spending five years in South Africa where he played for Absa Premiership giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Mpumalanga Black Aces.
The defender had been working hard to revive his career and was only registered this year.
Mwanjali played a couple of games this season either in central defence or as a defensive midfielder.
“I don’t think we will struggle to fill in that spot. We have Carlton (Munzabwa) who hasn’t been playing a lot this season yet he is also such a good player.
“Again, without mentioning one of our captains Stephen Makatuka, we have Denis Dauda and Justice Jangano who is equally comfortable in central defence.
“So it should not be a big problem if Mwanjali goes.”
Chinogwenya also confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Mverechena to join Ngezi Platinum.
Mverechena has been touted to be the next big thing at CAPS United following a stellar performance early last season under British coach Mark Harrison, but he has remained in the shadows of veteran goalminder Joram Muchambo this year.
“Chris has a three-year contract with us, so he will be going to Ngezi on loan till December.
“He is one good goalkeeper, but here he was facing stiff challenge from the veteran Muchambo.
“So he has asked to go where he can get regular game time. He is still our goalkeeper and he will come back,” said Chinogwenya.
Makepekepe will also be without their star midfielder Abbas Amidu for the game against FC Platinum. Amidu is away on trials in Germany together with his sibling, Brett, who plays for Dynamos.
CAPS United officials said they had been informed that the Germany club, SSv Ulm 1846 Fussball, has requested that the player should be part of their tour of Spain where he is expected to feature in friendly matches this weekend.
Amidu missed last week’s 1-1 at home with Hwange. Makepekepe will be looking for a positive result at Mandava to keep in touch with the leading pack.
They welcomed back fullback Ronald Pfumbidzayi and Kudzai Nyamupfukudza who were suspended for the last tie because of yellow cards.
Veteran forward Leonard Tsipa is also expected to return from injury as he was still being assessed by the medical personnel.
CAPS United are currently third on the log standings with 25 points, one behind leaders Highlanders and FC Platinum, after 12 games. The Herald
