Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. PROMOTED side HardRock are reportedly targeting a move for Dynamos midfield kingpin Shadreck Nyahwa as the ambitious newcomers look to add the final piece to their rapidly assembling squad ahead of the new Premier Soccer League season.
The well-resourced outfit has been the most aggressive player in the current transfer window, snapping up more than a dozen players in a bold statement of intent.
HardRock’s pursuit of Nyahwa underlines the club’s determination to defy convention by challenging for the league title in their maiden top-flight campaign, while also threatening to deal a major blow to Dynamos, who risk losing one of their most influential leaders at a critical rebuilding stage.
Despite their massive recruitment drive, club insiders reveal that head coach Kelvin Kaindu believes the squad still lacks a specialist defensive midfielder capable of shielding the backline and setting the tempo.
HardRock have already sent shockwaves through the league by securing several high-profile signings, including reigning Soccer Star of the Year Washington Navaya, Warriors goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, Donald Mudadi, Junior Makunike, Misheck Ngwenya, Xolani Ndlovu and the mercurial Munashe Bamara.
While the squad is brimming with talent, the club’s leadership remains fixated on delivering its audacious goal of winning the Premier Soccer League title in its debut season.
A source told NewsDay Sport that Nyahwa has been identified as the priority target to solidify the midfield.
“We have assembled a very good squad that we feel can challenge for things, but we feel that we are short of a proven defensive midfielder,” the source said.
“The coach has identified Shadreck Nyahwa as the man who can do the job. He has made it clear that he wants him, and the management has been told to do everything they can to bring him on board.”
Nyahwa was instrumental in Dynamos’ success last season, helping the Glamour Boys secure a third consecutive Chibuku Super Cup title.
With former captain Emmanuel Jalai having departed for Durban City in South Africa, Nyahwa was widely expected to inherit the armband at DeMbare.
However, negotiations over a contract extension at Dynamos have reportedly stalled, opening the door for rival clubs to make their move.
While TelOne has previously been linked with the midfielder, HardRock are confident their superior financial muscle could allow them to hijack the deal.
The so-called “Kaindu factor” could also prove decisive.
Having worked closely with Nyahwa during his stint at Dynamos last season, Kaindu’s presence in the HardRock dugout is viewed as a significant pull factor.
Speculation around Nyahwa’s future intensified last week after he missed several days of pre-season training.
Although official club communication stated the player was attending to family matters in Bulawayo, observers believe the midfielder may be positioning himself for a move away from the capital.
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