Upstarts Baroka upstage Golden Arrows, Celtic over Dube’s signature
LAMONTVILLE Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic lost out to newly promoted Baroka in their battle to sign striker Cleopus Dube.
Dube, who scored 13 goals for Witbank Spurs in the National First Division (NFD) last season, is seen as an ideal replacement for Thabiso Kutumela in Baroka’s maiden Absa Premiership campaign.
Dube was unveiled by Baroka last weekend and is hoping to be as successful as the many other Zimbabweans who have played in the PSL.
“There was interest from many other NFD clubs, but I decided to go to Baroka. Golden Arrows were [also] interested in me.
“Celtic were interested in me, but I don’t think the talks went well,” he said.
“I am happy for this move to Baroka and it’s a good consolation because I did well last season.
“We did well with Spurs, but unfortunately we did not win promotion or qualify for the play-offs. I am ready for new challenges.”
He added: “Baroka are a good team. They fight together as soldiers and I think I will add value. As Zimbabwean players we have a culture of working hard. We want to achieve everything.”
Dube will use his first season in the PSL to impress Zimbabwean national team coach Callisto Pasuwa ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Gabon in January.
Zimbabwe have qualified for Afcon for the first time since 2006 and competition for places will be tight.
“The Zimbabwean coach once spoke to me and he heard that I am doing well.
“He said I should keep on pushing because anything can happen. I want to go to Afcon of course,” he said.