The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
A number of Premier Soccer League clubs are monitoring Leicester City FC’s developmental coach, Alistair Heath, who also applied for the Warriors job.
The UEFA A Licence holder, who has also coached South Korea’s Under-23 side, expressed his desire to work in Zimbabwe during an interview with The Sunday Mail Sport last week.
But with Heath unlikely to land the Warriors job, the coach has shifted his focus to Premier Soccer League clubs, amid reports that CAPS United are one of the teams that have been approached by his local handlers.
While Makepekepe have renewed Darlington Dodo’s contract, our sources say the Green Machine wants to appoint a technical director to implement a sound junior football development program.
The 2016 champions brought in the much travelled Robert Landi in September last year. However, the club has since gone silent on the Italian coach’s future.
This has raised speculation that Makepekepe might go for Heath, who is represented locally by Gerald Sibanda of Athletes Sphere Management (ASM).
Although Sibanda was not at liberty to talk about Heath’s next move, he said, “Alistair represents what we stand for, that is to create world class opportunities for our sportsmen.
“He wanted the Warriors job. From our end the good thing is we have managed to convince him that Zimbabwe is a favourable work station.
“He is connected to the English Premier League, so why not explore this opportunity? As of now, we can’t talk about who has contacted Heath, but what we are sure of is that the guy can develop our football,” Sibanda said.
Speaking from his base in England last Friday, Heath hailed Zimbabwe as a nation with massive football potential.
“Zimbabwe has huge potential, I think my philosophies and experiences will benefit the country,” Heath said.
“I feel like I can contribute massively. Zimbabwe should be doing more, the nation should be winning tournaments.”
CAPS United have hit the ground running and have been one of the busiest teams on the off season transfer market.
They snapped up 2018 Soccer Star of the Year finalist Innocent Mucheneka last week and are expected to seal the deal for giant Chapungu goalie Talbert Shumba early this week.
Serial championship winner Devon Chafa is also a target for Makepekepe.
However, they are facing stiff competition from Harare City, whose coach Lloyd Chitembwe enjoys a good working relationship with the central midfielder.
Exciting prospects Tatenda Tumba and Leeroy Mavhunga are already at Makepekepe, who have also signed former Harare City winger Ishmael Wadi.
Across town, Dynamos have also made their intentions with some astute signings.
After bringing keeper Tymon Mvula from Hwange early last week, DeMbare concluded the deal for gifted Herentals linkman Jean Mutudza on Friday.
Mutudza signed a two-year deal, a few hours after the Mbare side had unveiled Byron Madzokere, the former Yadah Stars central defender.
Roving right-back Emmanuel Jalai, arguably DeMbare’s best player last season, extended his stay at Dynamos for another year.
DeMbare have also entered the race to sign unattached former Warriors midfielder Chafa as they seek to add more experience to their squad.
