Dynamos Begin New Era with Isaac Landu Signing as Massive Rebuild Takes Shape

Dynamos squad rebuild ahead of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League season

HARARE — Dynamos Football Club has fired the starting gun on a bold new chapter after completing the signing of former DRC youth international Isaac Landu, the headline act in a sweeping rebuild at the Harare giants.

The arrival of Landu signals a clear break from the past for the Glamour Boys, who are rebuilding almost from scratch following a damaging off-season exodus that stripped the club of much of its senior core. Dynamos were forced into the market after months of unrest culminating in the departure of key figures from the squad that won a third straight Chibuku Super Cup last season. From the roster that featured prominently in 2024, only just over a dozen players remain.

Among those who have moved on are former captain Emmanuel Jalai, vice-captain Temptation Chiwunga, goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa, and regular starters Vusa Ngwenya and Felix Hammond departures left major gaps across the pitch.

With leadership needed, midfielder Shadreck Nyahwa is widely tipped to take over the captaincy. Despite strong speculation linking him with a move to Hardrock, Nyahwa returned to training this week and appears set to see out his contract, which runs until December 31.

Other familiar faces staying put include goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni, Clive Mandivei, Leeroy Mavunga, Junior Perezo, and Jairosi Kasondo, providing a small but important backbone of continuity.

However, it is the scale of the new recruitment drive that has supporters buzzing.

A club source confirmed that the rebuild is nearing completion, with more than 20 players signed, many after undergoing extensive trials.

“In terms of talent, we believe we’ve assembled a very competitive squad capable of challenging this season,” the source said.

The spotlight, though, will be firmly on Isaac Landu, a centre-back who reportedly captained the DRC Under-21 national side last year. Despite the high-profile billing, Landu remains something of a mystery, with little publicly available information on his club career a situation that has only fuelled curiosity among fans.

He will be joined by a long list of new faces, including Perfect Chikwende, Trevor Mavhunga, Jordan Pedra, Collin Mujuru, Stanley Billiat, Barnabas Mtuche, Mandlenkosi Mlilo, Anotidaishe Gwatidzo, Philip Gweva, Junior Mutenheri, Courage Bera, and Witness Shave. Former Chicken Inn winger Callum Brown is also on trial as he seeks to earn a place in the final squad. The rebuilt Dynamos side will face an early test when they meet arch-rivals Highlanders in a charity match on February 15 in Bulawayo, before taking on league champions Scottland FC in the Castle Challenge Cup curtain-raiser.

Off the pitch, change is equally dramatic. Genesis Mangombe has returned as head coach, while Vincent Chawonza is back as executive chairman. Chawonza has already promised a commercial reboot, with a new kit and sponsors expected to be unveiled soon. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, DeMbare fans will be hoping this overhaul delivers more than optimism and restores the club’s status as a genuine force in Zimbabwean football.

Dynamos; Isaac Landu; Dynamos rebuild Zimbabwe; Dynamos transfer news