The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
The Castle Lager Premiership off-season has been mostly about December 31, when most players see off their contracts and begin the hunt for new suitors.
The process usually lasts for the entire off-season as both clubs and players take their time to search for the most lucrative deals.
However, a trend has emerged in recent years.
The usual pre-season trials as well as the promotion of junior players into the first teams areno longer taking centre stage as money now does most of the talking.
Football is becoming a big business.
In 2011, FC Platinum joined the elite league and changed the landscape of the transfer market.
The Midlands-based outfit currently hold the record for the most expensive acquisition.
They bought the reigning Soccer Star of the Year, Joel Ngodzo, for close to US$60 000.
But the platinum miners seemed to be “throwing money at their problems without addressing them”. The club went for six seasons without winning the title.
However, the strategy has started paying dividends for the three-time champions.
Those on the other side of the divide are arguing that “money has brought them success on the field of play”.
FC Platinum spokesperson Chido Chizondo said her club’s activity on the market is driven by the zeal to strengthen the team and attain their objectives.
“Every club wants to improve and there is no reason for participation when there is no zeal or ambition to do better.
“FC Platinum is no exception and this happens the world over. Naturally we are on the market to get players that can make a difference in attaining our objectives.
“It is critical to strengthen our squad,” said Chizondo.
Other clubs have since joined in, spending every available dollar in seeking the best players.
Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya, who has seen his club bringing in 11 players, mostly from fellow Premier League clubs, feels that the club executive has done its part in harnessing the best available talent.
“It is not a secret that we are competing against well-resourced teams. I would not want to mention names, but we all know those teams.
“However, we must also give credit to the Dynamos’ executive. They tried the best they could to get the players we now have,” said Ndiraya.
As part of their preparations for the upcoming season, the Glamour Boys are believed to be going for a two-week camp in South Africa.
Dynamos’ major rivals, CAPS United, also got 18 new players during the transfer window .
After shipping in 43 goals last season, coach Darlington Dodo made his defence a major priority as he brought in close to 10 defence-minded players.
Ngezi Platinim Stars, who finished fourth, have also upped their game on the market as they have set sights on the championship.
New coach Rodwell Dhlakama has since brought in nine players, with notable arrivals being talented former Warriors skipper Denver Mukamba and seven-time championship winner Devon Chafa.
“The pre-season has been going on well. However, there is a lot of work to be done before the season starts. I am happy with the players that we have managed to get,” said Dhlakama.
Joey Antipas, who saw his Chicken Inn stutter before finishing second on the log table, three points behind eventual winners FC Platinum, believes that the acquisition of good players will see the Premiership becoming more competitive.
“We haven’t lost many players and we have some good players coming in. I think this season will be very competitive because most clubs have been beefing up their squads. We are up for it,” said Antipas.
For Chiredzi-based outfit Triangle FC, their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup came at a cost as the club has lost 18 players while only four new signings have come on board so far.
However, Triangle coach Taurai Mangwiro is confident that the new recruits will fit well into the club system.
“Players that left the club served the team with distinction. We really appreciate and can only wish them success in their future endeavours.
“We now need to embrace the recruits and pray that they will add value to our team,” said Mangwiro.
