Pasuwa’s Return to Dynamos on Hold as FAM Stands Firm

Zimbabwean giants Dynamos FC have long harbored hopes of luring Kalisto Pasuwa back to the club since his departure in 2015. However, those ambitions appear to face significant obstacles as the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has made it clear they have no intention of releasing their national team coach.

The Glamour Boys currently find themselves without a coach following the departure of Zambian Kelvin Kaindu toward the end of the 2025 Castle Premier League season. The timing has only intensified Dynamos’ pursuit of their former talisman.

Since arriving in Malawi in 2018, Pasuwa has made the country his second home. He initially joined FCB Nyasa Big Bullets as head coach after leaving his role with the Zimbabwe national team, quickly establishing himself as the most decorated coach in recent TNM Super League history.

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During his tenure with Bullets, Pasuwa captured five league titles along with numerous other trophies before transitioning to the Malawi national team early in 2025. Throughout his time in Malawi, Dynamos made repeated overtures, but the coach consistently maintained he had unfinished business in the country.

While Pasuwa’s primary objective with Bullets was to achieve an international breakthrough for the club—a goal that ultimately proved elusive—his legacy at the side remains unparalleled and will endure for years to come.

Pasuwa’s connection to Dynamos runs deep. During his previous stint, he guided the club to 12 trophies over four seasons, including an unprecedented four consecutive league titles. Since his departure, the 16-time league champions have struggled to reclaim their former glory, failing to secure another league title or even mount a serious challenge.

The club’s recent decline reached a nadir in the just-concluded season, with Dynamos finishing a distant 13th on the table. The decision to part ways with Kaindu was inevitable given the club’s lofty standards.

Unlike previous years when speculation about Pasuwa’s return amounted to little more than rumor, Dynamos have escalated their efforts this time around. According to reports from Zimbabwe’s Herald newspaper, the newly elected executive committee has identified Pasuwa as their prime target, already tabling two offers to their former coach.

The club has attempted to persuade Pasuwa to negotiate a mutual separation from FAM, despite his contract running until 2027. However, substantive discussions have yet to materialize, and the likelihood of Pasuwa abandoning the Malawi national team remains minimal.

Newly appointed DeMbare chairman Vincent Chawonza acknowledged ongoing negotiations while urging patience from supporters.

“Of course, negotiations have been taking place with Pasuwa, and I think we don’t need to be saying much at this point. We prefer working quietly, and that is what we have been doing behind the scenes,” Chawonza said.

“There have been many options presented to us. We received CVs from different parts of the world, and hopefully by Friday we should have finished with the issue of the coach so that the team can start looking at pre-season training.”

An unnamed Serbian coach has also emerged as a potential candidate for the Dynamos position, as has Zambian coach Wedson Nyirenda. However, the pursuit of Nyirenda, the former Chipolopolo and Baroka coach, appears to have stalled after he presented a signing-on fee and salary demands beyond the Glamour Boys’ financial capacity.

The coaching appointment carries added significance as DeMbare will compete on two fronts this year. The club is set to return to continental competition as Zimbabwe’s representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, necessitating a robust squad capable of handling the demanding season ahead.

To that end, Dynamos have been pursuing several high-profile players including Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Tichaona Chipunza, Michael Tapera, and goalkeeper Kelvin Shangiwa from Scotland. The club is also targeting midfielders Perfect Chikwende and Blessed Ndereki while monitoring captain Emmanuel Jalai, who has reportedly attracted interest from North African clubs.

Jalai’s contract expired on December 31, and DeMbare are eager to secure his services for the upcoming campaign.

Despite Dynamos’ determined pursuit, FAM general secretary Abdul Chiwalo has firmly dismissed any possibility of Pasuwa’s departure.

“Pasuwa remains under a valid contract. Our collective mission is qualification for the 2027 AFCON with the Flames, and that remains his clear focus,” Chiwalo stated.

He acknowledged that as one of the region’s premier coaches, Pasuwa will inevitably attract attention from various clubs. “A good coach is always linked with several teams,” he added.

For now, it appears Pasuwa’s unfinished business in Malawi will keep him from returning to Zimbabwe, leaving Dynamos to explore alternative options as they prepare for a crucial season ahead.