Emmanuel Jalai has completed a landmark move to South Africa, with Durban City securing the former Dynamos captain on a long-term deal described by insiders as the most lucrative debut-season package ever handed to a Zimbabwean footballer entering the South African Premiership for the first time.
The Zimbabwe international arrived in South Africa earlier this week after signing a contract that runs until 2028, with an option that could extend his stay to 2030 — a clear statement of intent from Durban City, who see Jalai as a cornerstone signing rather than a squad addition.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed that the agreement includes a signing-on fee that is double what Jalai was offered by local clubs, both formally and informally, a figure that decisively tilted the race in Durban City’s favour.
While his weekly wage has been described by those in his camp as “modest” by South African standards, the overall package tells a different story, placing Jalai among the highest-earning Zimbabwean players to debut in the Premiership.
A Deal That Changed the Landscape
According to sources familiar with the contract, Jalai will earn more than six times his previous monthly salary at Dynamos, excluding performance bonuses. His earnings are understood to be above US$5,000 per month (approximately R95,000), with a signing-on fee estimated between US$20,000 and US$30,000.
The scale of the deal effectively ended competition from several suitors, including Zimbabwean champions Scottland, improved terms proposed by Dynamos, and exploratory offers from clubs in North Africa and the Middle East.
“Yes, it will be around that range, and the sign-on fee is slightly above some of the highest offered by ambitious clubs in Zimbabwe,” a source close to the deal confirmed.
“It’s a very good package, but what mattered more was the opportunity to grow outside Zimbabwe.”
Why Durban City Won the Race
Despite not being traditionally ranked among the league’s biggest spenders, Durban City’s long-term pursuit of Jalai proved decisive.
The club remained in contact with the player over several seasons, even as better-funded rivals attempted to intervene late in the process.
“Durban City were the most consistent, and their respect for the player was clear,” said a source close to Jalai.
“They didn’t just offer good money — they showed they truly valued him.”
Jalai’s stock rose further following his performances for the Zimbabwe Warriors at the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, where he featured prominently against Egypt and Angola, reinforcing his reputation against elite opposition.
Leaving Dynamos as a Leader
Jalai departs Dynamos after six years of service, leaving not just as a senior defender but as a captain who led the club through one of the most turbulent periods in its history, including a dramatic relegation escape on the final day of the season.
In an emotional farewell message posted on social media, Jalai paid tribute to the Harare giants and their supporters.
“The honour of wearing the armband of this great club is a memory that will live with me forever,” he wrote.
“I will FOREVER remain one of you. My love for the club will never die.”
A New Chapter in South Africa
Now settled in South Africa, Jalai begins life at Durban City as the club’s only Zimbabwean international, a distinction that adds both expectation and spotlight to his arrival.
With leadership, continental experience, and a record-setting deal behind him, Emmanuel Jalai steps into a new dressing room carrying not just ambition — but history.