Dynamos have formally opened talks with goalkeeper Washington Arubi — the star of their league and cup winning team last year — to retain him for this season. The future of the Zimbabwe international goalkeeper has been a cause for concern at DeMbare after he left for trials in South Africa last month.

Arubi, who was crowned 2011 Soccer Star of the Year, had also indicated that he was set to go for trials in Greece. But with the European country in financial turmoil right now, it appears clubs there have bigger survival issues on their plate than getting new international players on their books.

Arubi is a free agent, after having bought the remainder of his contract from Division One side Highfield United, following complications in their deal.

He has been registered by Dynamos to play for them in the Champions League this season but his free agency status means that he could leave for another club anytime.

The good news for the Dynamos family is that their star player is now back in training, which is a big message that his heart is still with the Glamour Boys, as his free agency status allows him to train wherever he wants.

DeMbare secretary-general, Ray Kazembe, said they were talking to their goalkeeper.

“Arubi is back in the team. The executive is handling the issue,” said Kazembe.

“I can also confirm that George Magariro is now 100 percent Dynamos because there have been questions on his status.”

Kazembe, a young and successful Harare businessman who favours a business approach in the management of his team’s issues, was promoted to the position of secretary-general at the beginning of last month.

Although he is generally a man who does not enjoy the limelight, Kazembe has quickly found out that his new role at DeMbare will keep him in the spotlight all the time.

To his credit, he is facing the challenges stalking his team head-on and refreshingly answers questions, from the media, instead of hiding into a shell.

Kazembe said DeMbare have lined up two matches this weekend against Monomotapa and Gunners before next week’s season opening Charity Shield clash with Motor Action.

The Glamour Boys will host Monomotapa at Rufaro tomorrow and then clash with Gunners at Lafarge on Sunday.

Coach Callisto Pasuwa said he would want to give all his players a run in the weekend friendly games, with the exception of Zambian midfielder Arthur Kaseloki who is still recovering from injury.

The Dynamos technical team received a major boost this week as several players, who were on the injury list, resumed training and featured in a practice game against DC Academy at Rufaro yesterday.

Among them was long-term casualty Wonder Sithole who gave a good account despite the coach’s fears over his troublesome knee, Desmond Maringwa, Martin Vengesai, Derrick Kabwe and Gift Bello.

Pasuwa said he was looking forward to their last friendly games.

“The weekend games are our last before we face Motor Action in the Charity Shield and then we play our first game in the Champions League the following week. So we are going to use them as part of our final preparations,” said Pasuwa.

Kazembe said the gate charges remain the same as those for the Black Mambas game, which means fans will pay US$2 for the cheapest ticket, US$5 for the VIP and US$10 for the VVIP.

Dynamos are almost through with finalising their squad for the domestic league.

DeMbare and Motor Action have been given an early deadline by the Premier Soccer League to register their players ahead of the Charity Shield and the Glamour Boys are most likely to use the same players for both the Champions League and the domestic competitions.

DeMbare had registered 26 players for the Champions League but they now have 25 on the list following the departure of Cuthbert Malajila.

Dynamos’ rivals CAPS United will also be in action at the weekend when they engage Division One side Triple B at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.

Makepekepe have indicated that they want to launch a strong campaign this season to reclaim their place among the top teams in the league.