DYNAMOS is set to beat Highlanders to the signature of WhaWha striker Jayden Barake after the teenage sensation was spotted training with the Harare giants this week.
The 19-year-old has been one of Bosso’s prime targets, and was close to joining the Bulawayo side during the mid-season transfer window, but the deal collapsed at the last minute.
Highlanders were hoping to resume negotiations with one of the most talented youngsters, who was voted the league’s most promising players last season, when the transfer window opens on January 1.
But it appears it is Dynamos who have taken the lead in the race for Barake’s signature.
The striker is one of a host of new faces that are attending DeMbare’s pre-season training sessions, which started this week under new coach Herbert Maruwa.
Maruwa is preparing the squad for the Unity Day Cup clash against Highlanders on Thursday.
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Other notable new faces spotted at the club’s training base include Black Rhinos’ exciting winger Keith Madera.
Just last week, Rhinos expressed disappointment after learning that their top striker Eli Ilunga had signed a pre-contract with Dynamos.
They even went on to withhold the player’s December salary.
Midfielder Emmanuel Ziocha and defender Donald Dzvinyai of relegated Harare City are also part of the cast trying their luck at DeMbare.
It is the potential arrival of Barake, though, that will certainly excite the Dynamos fans.
He had an outstanding campaign in the league last season, which saw him attracting the attention of big teams in the league.
The centre forward netted nine league goals to finish fifth in the race for the Golden Boot.
If a deal materialises, as is expected, Barake will be rejoining his boyhood team Dynamos.
The lanky forward rose through the club’s junior ranks, but failed to break into the first team, prompting him to look for opportunities elsewhere.
DeMbare’s top target Gareth Madhake is not part of the huge group of players training with the club, and so is his Rhinos teammate Ilunga, who has travelled back home to the Democratic Republic of Congo for the festive season.
Meanwhile, Dynamos are set to announce in the coming few days the rest of the technical team members who will work under Maruwa.
The former Rhinos coach was given the reins to take over from Tonderai Ndiraya.
A source said Yadah coach Genesis “Kaka” Mangombe was likely to be appointed the first assistant coach, while club legend Murape Murape will come in as the second assistant.
Britto Gwere is the goalkeepers’ coach, while Vincent Chabwana is the fitness trainer.
Long-serving member Richard Chihoro will retain his team manager post in the new technical team set-up.