The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
IF you thought the comical Fabrice Mbimba was to be the last Congolese to feature for Dynamos then think again! In about two weeks, two DRC refugees are expected to arrive for trials at DeMbare.
Francis Lukonde (19) and Chipampa Babadi (20), both attacking players based at Tongogara Refugee Camp, charmed DeMbare coach Lloyd Mutasa at an annual soccer gala held in Chipinge District last weekend.
The duo is now set for trials with the Harare giants when the club’s pre-season trials begin next week. Tongogara Refugee Camp were part of the 24 teams that took part at the $40 000 G Marwa Soccer Gala, which was graced by the Dynamos coach.
And it was Lukonde and Babadi who caught the eye of Mutasa, who has wasted no time in making further enquiries about the availability of the Congolese duo.
“It was very easy to notice their talent because they are a rare breed of players. What I can assure you is they are capable of illuminating Premier Soccer League stadiums because they are a very exciting duo who can form a deadly partnership,” said Mutasa.
“After the New Year’s holiday, I am sure we will make enquiries about their availability. You see with refugees you have to check with authorities to ascertain their papers and eligibility to play in the local Premiership.”
The G Marwa Soccer Gala is sponsored by Namibian-based Zimbabwean land surveyor Gibson Marwa and the tournament has over the years unearthed players who have gone all the way up to the Premiership level.
Dynamos fringe striker Thembinkosi Simango, Chicken Inn’s Physwell Madhazi, Kudzai Chideu (How Mine), Rodwell Mhlanga (Chapungu), Tichaona Mapungwana (Triangle), Moses Gutu (Yadah FC) and Lloyd Katongomara (Buffaloes) are some of the players who were discovered at this tournament.
And the Congolese duo of Lukonde and Babadi could soon become the latest addition to the Premier Soccer League.
They are expected for trials at DeMbare when the Harare side begin their pre-season next week. Mutasa will meet his executive on Tuesday to kick start the club’s 2018 plans and it is during this indaba that the gaffer is expected to present his preferred personnel.
“For now, most of the influential people at the club are on holiday, so we can only meet with the executive after New Year holiday.
“But definitely the issue about the Congolese will be up for discussion. They need to be given a chance to showcase their talent to the world,” said Mutasa.
Mbimba was the last Congolese to play for Dynamos in 2014, although his six-month stay was blighted by a 39-second porn video clip which went viral in September of that year.
