GWERU-BASED Castle Lager Premiership outfit TelOne appear to have beaten giants Dynamos to the signature of goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper, a cornerstone for Tringle’s relegation fight last season, had been identified by the Glamour Boys as the most suitable candidate to fill the void created by the departing first-team goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa.
However, it has emerged the goalkeeper is in line to sign for TelOne.
The former Herentals goalie has since made contact with the club and could be joining the Wi-fi Boys for their pre-season training once all the formalities are complete this week.
TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa, who started pre-season training with his team in Gweru yesterday, confirmed the progress made in the chase for the goalkeeper.
“Of course, we have been monitoring him for a while. We have been engaging, and he is one of the players that we want to bring here,” he said.
The young goalkeeper impressed in the previous campaign after moving to Triangle mid-season from Herentals.
He posted brilliant individual performances to finish joint second in the Golden Glove race with 15 clean sheets.
Chikosi was tied with MWOS’ Martin Mapisa, and the duo ended the season with two clean sheets fewer than the 17 registered by Malawian goalkeeper William Thole of Simba Bhora, who was subsequently voted PSL Goalkeeper of the Year.
Chikosi has an impressive track record of his own. In 2023, the 22-year-old had 16 clean sheets while still plying his trade at Herentals and was only second to Nelson Chadya who had 19.
In 2024, Chikosi recorded yet another 16-clean-sheets haul, but he was no match for Donovan Benard with 21.
TelOne want to bolster their goalkeeping department. Maruwa was not happy after his side conceded 26 goals in 34 matches.
This was in sharp contrast with their potency in front of goal, after scoring 40 times and finishing as the third-best team in terms of goals scored last year.
Chikosi is expected to compete for the starting place with Tapiwa Chilenga.
The Wi-fi Boys are also looking to reset themselves after losing their chief marksman, Washington Nayaya, whose 17 goals won him the Soccer Star of the Year award as well as the Golden Boot.
Navaya has since moved to free-spending newboys Hard Rock of Gweru.
The Wi-fi Boys could still lose key attacking midfielder Tawanda Macheke, who is reportedly on the radar of the ambitious newcomers.
Hard Rock are not showing signs of slowing down and yesterday they unveiled their 15th off-season signing, 24-year-old Zambian striker Andrew Phiri, who is arriving from Tanzania’s Singida United.
The Wi-fi Boys have responded to the departure of Navaya by signing former American Major League Soccer star Farai Mutatu.
The attacking winger was in the books of relegated Kwekwe United last season but featured sparingly.
The Wi-fi Boys have also roped in another forward, Jerry Chipangura, who previously played for Yadah and Harare City in the domestic top-flight league.
Veteran midfielder Innocent Mucheneka is also expected to be unveiled in Gweru in the coming days.
Mucheneka spent last season at Yadah on loan from champions Scottland.
