HARARE - Veteran Dynamos midfielder Desmond Maringwa has angrily denied comments attributed to him in a local daily, in which the experienced player reportedly remarked that the Glamour Boys are not experienced and good enough to play in next year’s African Champions League.

Maringwa was also quoted implying that Dynamos must thank an arbitration decision, which saw them being rewarded disputed points from their controversial match against Hwange, for beating runners-up Highlanders to the Castle Premiership title.

 “No ways, I never had an interview with anyone from any newspaper on that matter and I don't know what the reporter is trying to do,” said Maringwa.

“I think I should get to the bottom of this whole thing. I will call the editor of the paper to establish exactly what they are trying to do. We can only gain experience from playing in the Champions League and I don’t know where this all coming from.”

Although Dynamos are yet to release the official squad registered for the Champions League, Maringwa – alongside David Kutyauripo, George Magariro and Wonder Sithole – are some of the older players left out in the cold.

Save for Soccer Star of the Year Denver Mukamba, who is on the verge of joining South African side Bidvest Wits in January, Dynamos have managed to retain the bulk of the squad which steered them to a second successive league and cup double.

The registration deadline for the Champions League expired last Saturday midnight and any registration after the deadline will now attract a fine of $500 to the club.

DeMbare have reportedly completed the acquition of the Monomotapa trio of Artwell Mukandi, Russel Madamombe and Obey Mwerahari while talks to seal the capture of Monoz forward Tawanda Nyamandwe are at an advanced stage.

The Hwange pair of forward Francisco Zikumbawire and defender Aaron Katebe are some of the new players said to have been registered by the Glamour Boys.

Dynamos were handed a relatively tough draw in which they will play Lesotho Correctional Services in the preliminary round in February.

Should they manage to pass the Lesotho test as hugely expected, Calisto Pasuwa’s men will meet the winner between Libyan champions Al-Ittihad and Tunisian outfit CA Bizertin.

The 19-times Zimbabwe champions will then have to clear a second round hurdle posed by reigning African champions Al-Ahly to make it to the group stages. -
Godknows Matarutse