The Sunday Mail
The departure of Zimbabwe international goalkeeper George Chigova has shifted the spotlight from Dynamos’ sterile strike force to the hitherto secure net-minding responsibilities. At face value, Chigova’s long overdue departure should not be a major worry for Kallisto Pasuwa and his technical team as they appear to have a ready-made replacement in former Monomotapa man Artwell Mukandi.
The departure of Chigova will leave Mukandi the undisputed number one with former youth international Tatenda Mukuruva as his deputy. Dynamos, however, need another goalkeeper to push the former Pamushana High School pupil into regaining his grasp after the lengthy period he has had on the bench, while Mukuruva continues on the learning curve.
Highlanders’ Munyaradzi Diya, a DeMbare juniors product, has reportedly been sounded out, but he also is exciting a few clubs down south and is said to be generally not keen on working under his elder brother Tichaona, who is the goalkeepers’ coach at the capital side.
Mukandi is a seasoned performer who signed for DeMbare standing on firm ground having turned on the power at Monoz in 2012.
He recently showed signs of being fed up with his time on the bench through a post on his Facebook wall.
“It never rains (but) pours!!!*so pisdoff?#?feeling?#unwanted#bt#nt#@?#?ths?#age#!!GOD IS WATCHIN!!?, wrote Mukandi.
The need to have a goalkeeper who can deliver becomes urgent when read against the background that Dynamos’ success under Pasuwa has been premised on their resolve at the back.
In 2011 they conceded just 15 times, beating eventual silver medallists FC Platinum to the title on goal difference.
Their meanness continued in 2012, as they conceded 15 again, same as bitter rivals Highlanders, whom they also beat to the title on goal difference.
Although last season they shipped in 22, theirs was once again the league’s best defensive record and it was good enough to win them a third title on the trot. Traditionally, the DeMbare number one jersey has been contested for by two reputable goalkeepers at any given time, a situation that could become history with Chigova following the trendy but rather ill-advised great trek down South.
They have in recent times boasted of combinations such as Willard Manyatera/ Zondai Nyaungwa, Manyatera/ Washington Arubi, Arubi/Munyaradzi Diya, Arubi/Chigova and Chigova/Mukandi.
Now it will Mukandi and?
