Langton Nyakwenda
DYNAMOS man of the moment Emmanuel Jalai received a major boost ahead of tomorrow’s Battle of Zimbabwe when he landed an endorsement deal with a local corporate company.
Jalai clocked 100 games for DeMbare when the Harare giants drew 0-0 against Simba Bhora at Barbourfields two weeks ago.
He celebrated his 101th game with his first goal for the club when Dynamos edged Cranborne Bullets 1-0 at Nyamhunga last weekend.
He will clock 103 games for Dynamos who host Highlanders in a titanic clash at Barbourfields on Sunday.
And on Thursday, the roving right back was recognized by Garage and Forecourt who announced their sponsorship for the Aces Youth Soccer Academy product.
Garage and Forecourt, who are into high technology fuel handling equipment, will also now cater for Jalai’s welfare.
Garage and Forecourt representative Nonhlanhla Mlalazi said this was a gesture to support the Dynamos vice captain who clocked a century of appearances recently.
“This is to appreciate a player who has reached a century of games playing for Dynamos, as these milestones go unnoticed and uncelebrated,” said Mlalazi, who is the company’s technical director.
“This sponsorship is also part of the organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Second Republic mantra of supporting local athletes and not leaving no place and no one behind,” added Mlalazi.
Jalai is expected to line up alongside skipper Frank Makarati, Kelvin and Elvis Moyo in a hack four when DeMbare host Bosso.
Dynamos are five points behind log leaders Highlanders and will cut the gap to just two points with a win at Emagumeni.
“We are all looking forward to this big game,” Jalai said.
On the endorsement deal, the diminutive star said: “I am humbled to say the least.
“This is a huge boost in terms of motivation and I want to repay this gesture by performing well for my team.
“At the end of the day it’s not all about individuals but the team as a unit,” said Jalai, the longest serving member in the current Dynamos squad.
Both Highlanders and Dynamos are in the race for the championship with 13 games before the conclusion of the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Bosso top the standings with 41 points, five ahead of DeMbare who are unbeaten in their last five matches.
Whereas Bosso have suffered two consecutive losses against FC Platinum and Highlanders.
Before the two losses, Bosso had gone 19 games unbeaten.
“We will not read much into Highlanders’ current form, this is a big match between giants and form doesn’t count.
“However, we will take each game as it comes and see what happens,” said Jalai.
He joined Dynamos in 2019 after he was scouted by Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe who was then the head coach.