Philemon Jambaya
Zim Now Editor
FOR now his focus is on national duty but Dynamos skipper Emmanuel Jalai constantly thinks about the situation at his club.
Zimbabwe will play Rwanda in a Group C World Cup qualifier at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday and Jalai is once again expected to start at right back.
With the Warriors now out of contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, after suffering a 0-1 defeat against Benin in Cote d'Ivoire on Friday, their match against Rwanda has been reduced to a dead rubber.
But, coach Michael Nees insists his players will play for national pride.
Jalai will also use this match to pysche himself up ahead of the return of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
The Premiership returns weekend with Dynamos hosting Triangle United at Rufaro in a relegation battle.
DeMbare still remain second from bottom despite posting four wins in a row, including last weekend's big 3-2 win over Scottland.
Jalai has been one of the most instrumental in DeMbare's bid to avoid what could be a historic and embarrassing relegation from the top flight.
There are some analysts and fans who believe that Jalai is among the most influential captains to have led the Glamour Boys since 1980.
Dynamos has been led by some of the toughest skippers including the legendary Sunday Chidzambwa, Angirayi Chapo, Memory Mucherahowa, Murape Murape and Desmond Maringwa.
Should Jalai eventually lead Dynamos to survival, then the Aces Youth Soccer Academy product will book a place on that high table of the most influential captains to lead DeMbare since Independence in 1980.
Jalai is currently the longest serving player at Dynamos having joined the Glamour Boys in 2019.
He now has over 150 league appearances for the Harare giants.
He earned his 100th cap in August 2023.
Vincent Chawonza, was Dynamos vice chairman at that time and he thinks Jalai has already earned his place among the club's most popular and influential captains ever.
"He has done so well in Dynamos colours and he has shown that his blood is blue and he has stood with the club in difficult and good times" Chawonza said.
Jalai was wanted by a number of clubs at the beginning of the season including money bags Scottland and Manica Diamonds but he opted to stay at DeMbare despite their poor financial status.
Tinashe Chakanza, a Highfield based Dynamos fan, thinks Jalai deserves more recognition for his contribution to the DeMbare cause.
"He is a special player, a dedicated player who is not swayed by money," said Chakanza.
Prominent supporter Adomusi Mukwasi hailed Jalai for his commitment to Dynamos.
"The boy has shown that he can even die for the badge.
"Given his talent, he could have opted to leave Dynamos at the beginning of the season but he chose to stay.
"Now he is leading the club's quest to avoid relegation and I am sure the target will be achieved," said Mukwasi.
Jalai was among the best eleven players last season and is also heavily tipped to retain his place on the Soccer Stars calendar this year.
The 26-year-old has also been a regular starter in the Warriors' World Cup qualifying campaign.
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