Zimbabwe international Emmanuel Jalai says Scottland's ambitious project convinced him to complete a six-month loan move from South African side Durban City, describing the reigning Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions as a club with a "promising" future as they prepare for their CAF Champions League campaign.
The experienced right-back, who spent six successful years at Dynamos before joining Durban City at the start of the year, will bolster Scottland's squad as the Mabvirarira outfit prepares for its CAF Champions League campaign.
The move was facilitated by Durban City, who retain ownership of the player and have a partnership agreement with Scottland.
Jalai returned to Zimbabwe on Monday after finalising the transfer in Durban, bringing to an end weeks of speculation over his immediate future.
The defender, who captained Dynamos for three seasons and led the Glamour Boys to the Chibuku Super Cup title last year, believes joining Scottland presents an exciting opportunity in his career.
"I think the team is doing a good job," said Jalai.
"You can see the results that have been posted on the plate, but I think there is still a long way to go. Of course, the project is promising, so we are hoping for the best."
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Scottland are the reigning league champions and will represent Zimbabwe in this season's CAF Champions League, while Jalai also arrives with continental experience after featuring for the Warriors at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
The defender enjoyed further success in South Africa, helping Durban City lift the Nedbank Cup in May, with the club also qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup.
Despite making the high-profile switch to Dynamos' city rivals, Jalai paid tribute to his former club, insisting the move was purely a professional decision.
"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," he said.
"Dynamos looked after me for six years. I was the captain for three years, so it means a lot to me.
"Nonetheless, I will forever be indebted to Dynamos. They are always in my heart."
Jalai also urged supporters to rally behind Scottland as a collective rather than focus on individual players.
"They just have to keep on supporting the team, not the individual, because Scottland is a team full of quality. What matters most is the team."
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