Grace Chingoma
5 August 2011
ZIMBABWE international midfielder Archford Gutu appears to have made the grade in Sweden amid revelations that Kalmar FF will make an offer today for the rising star.
Gutu, who scored twice for Kalmar Under-21 team in his last 90 minutes in Sweden, arrived home yesterday.
He is set to rejoin his Dynamos teammates in training in Harare today and might be considered for duty when the Harare giants take on Black Mambas in a Castle Lager Premiership tie at Rufaro on Sunday.
Gutu, though, is also wanted by Bundesliga team Hamburger SV who revealed this week that they were keen to have the midfielder here for trials.
Zifa technical advisor Klaus Pagels recommended the player to the club, which is based just 50km outside his hometown, and the team’s officials believe they need to have a look at the midfielder.
Hamburger team manager, Bernd Wehmeyer, who watched Mighty Warriors’ match against his club’s women’s team in Stade on Wednesday night, said they have acquired five new players ahead of the Bundesliga season, which starts today, but would have no have no problem in signing another talented player.
“We have a good working relationship with Pagels and he told me there are some good players in Zimbabwe especially this midfielder and we have to see him,” said Wehmeyer.
“At the moment we bought five new players but we will see how it goes if the boy comes here and we assess him if he is real talent.
“There is still time and another window will be opening up but first we have to see him and know whether we can keep on monitoring him or we do something now.”
Pagels, who watched the international friendly between Hamburger and Valencia of Spain, said he was certain Gutu could fit into the German team.
“l am so convinced that Gutu can play in this team. He is better than these midfielders,” said Pagels.
Gutu has already tried his luck in Bulgaria, Sweden and South Africa.
His manager Calvin Nyazema revealed yesterday that Kalmar advised him that they will make on offer for the star midfielder today.
“We are still keeping our options open because the transfer window in Europe doesn’t close until the end of August and we hope to get the best possible deal for Archie,” said Nyazema.
“The Swedes have said they will be making an offer on the player tomorrow (today) and that means a lot.
“I spoke to Pagels before he left to Germany and I haven’t been in touch with him since and we will see what happens but the boy is back home now.”
Hamburger is home to Cote D’Ivoire defender Guy Demel and Wehmeyer said they have always had African players at the club and has really excelled.
“We have a player from Ivory Coast and we have had Boateng and (Tony) Yeboah and all these really did well,” said Wehmeyer.
“African players are skillful but most of the time they need time to settle down.”
Wehmeyer said Knowledge Musona, who signed for TSG Hoffenheim, would have to fight hard to make an impression.
“It (Hoffenheim) is a new club in the Bundesliga and it is really a good club,” said Wehmeyer.
“I heard they have acquired a new player from Zimbabwe. Well, it might not be easy for him to come in and play regularly and they also have new coach who was coaching a team in Hamburg.
“The most important thing is that they are fast and have technique.
“And, in the First Division, we can rate them as the fifth or sixth best team because their sponsor has been pushing the club and they have just built a new stadium.”
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