Kuda Mahachi close to French move

WARRIORS midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi could be close in sealing a dream move to French giants Monaco after impressing members of the team during trials last week.

The 20-year-old, who was signed by South African football giants Sundowns during the January window, has been on trial at Monaco since Monday last week and has reportedly impressed in his display.

Mahachi scored a goal during the team's practice match last Thursday, but it was in Monaco's 12-0 thumping of Austria's first division side Saint Viet on Saturday that he caught the eye of the team's talisman Radamel Falcao.

According to Mahachi's agent Godwin Emmanuel, his client earned praise from the Colombian superstar who watched the match from the sidelines as he continues his recovery from injury.

"He [Falcao] told Kuda that with his talent he belongs at Monaco," Emmanuel is quoted as saying by Downs' official website.

Mahachi is expected back at Downs today.

If he makes the cut at Monaco, the winger would be playing in the Uefa Champions League.

Talking about the Uefa Champions League, Costa Nhamoinesu has been busy preparing for the competition with his club Sparta Praha.

The team will play in the qualifying rounds and in preparation, are going around Europe playing preparatory matches.

They beat Basel 4-0 earlier this week with Nhamoinesu scoring the last goal on 57th minute.

Still in Europe, Bradley Pritchard has signed a two-year deal with English League One side Leyton Orient on a free transfer following his departure from Charlton Athletic.

The 28-year-old midfielder left the Addicks in May following a three-year spell at The Valley in which he made 89 appearances.

Pritchard is Orient manager Russell Slade's second signing of the summer after the arrival of goalkeeper Adam Legzdins from Valley.
Speaking to the club's website this week, Pritchard said he feels loved at his new team.

"Every player wants to feel like they are wanted and as if they can add quality or be an asset to the team. When I met him (Slade) last week for negotiations I really felt as though he wants me as part of this team. That gave me a lot of confidence.

Pritchard added: "It was really essential getting this deal done and I'm really excited to get started now. The manager first got in touch with my agent and then I heard there was definite interest. Once I heard that Orient were interested in me I was hoping we could get a deal sorted. I hope I can be an asset in whatever way, both on and off the pitch. I hope to play as much as possible and score goals. I'd like to help the team build on and I really want to be ever present in the team to make both the players and fans proud."

Meanwhile, Archford Gutu (pictured) could be on his way out of his Swedish club Kalmar FF on loan to second tier club Värnamo until the end of the season.

According to Kalmar sporting director Thomas Andersson Borstam, Gutu will link up with his new teammates this weekend.

The Warriors midfielder who during his debut season at Kalmar played 20 games, has not received any Allsvenskan playing time this season.

"He needs playing time to continue developing. This can be a good opportunity for him. A decision could come on Sunday," said Andersson Borstam yesterday.