Jalai explains switch from Dynamos to Scottland FC

FORMER Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai has described his move to Scottland as a purely professional decision, saying he will always remain grateful to the Harare giants for the role they played in his career.

The Zimbabwe international has joined the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions on a six-month loan from South African Betway Premiership side Durban City.

Scottland and Durban City have a partnership agreement, with the South African club sanctioning the move after receiving an approach from the Zimbabwean champions.

Speaking publicly for the first time since completing the transfer, Jalai said footballers must respect decisions made by their parent clubs despite the emotions surrounding transfers.

"I think football is full of emotions and attachments, but after all we are professionals and we have to abide by the rules and directives that come from our parent clubs," Jalai said.

The experienced right-back returned to Zimbabwe on Monday after travelling to Durban to complete the transfer formalities.

His switch to Scottland has generated widespread debate among local football fans, given his long association with Dynamos.

Jalai spent six years at DeMbare, captaining the club for three seasons and leading them to Chibuku Super Cup success last year.

He also represented Zimbabwe at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco before securing a move to Durban City at the beginning of the year.

In May, Jalai added the Nedbank Cup to his honours list after helping Durban City lift the trophy. The South African club also qualified for this season's CAF Confederation Cup.

Scottland, meanwhile, will represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Champions League after winning last season's Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.

Reflecting on his time at Dynamos, Jalai expressed gratitude to the club and its supporters.

"It's good to be back home but, of course, Dynamos have been my former paymasters.

"They looked after me for six years. I was the captain for three years, so it means a lot for me.

"But after all, I am a footballer and my job is to make people happy.

"Nonetheless, I will forever be indebted to Dynamos. They are always in my heart," he said.

Looking ahead, Jalai said he was excited by Scottland's ambitions and believes the club has the potential to achieve even greater success.

"I think the team is doing a good job.

"You can see the results that have been posted on the plate, but I think there is still a long way to go.

"But of course, the project is promising, so we are hoping for the best," he said.

The defender also urged supporters to focus on the collective rather than individual players.

"They just have to keep on supporting the team, not the individual.

"Because if you look at it, Scottland is a team full of quality. What matters most is the team," Jalai said.