Andrew
Sports Editor
A YEAR before they turn 60, Zimbabwe football giants Dynamos have resolved to go back to basics and strengthen their development structures.
Dynamos are also looking to set up a women’s team in line with Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements, especially for teams that would be participating in continental club competitions.
The Glamour Boys’ chiefs are of the belief that despite an earlier slump in form during the season, coach Tonderai Ndiraya and his men could end an eight-year wait to win the Premiership. Dynamos are plotting to eclipse log leaders and reigning champions FC Platinum and 2015 kings Chicken Inn in the race for the 2022 prize.
Ndiraya and his men have the confidence of Dynamos board of directors’ chairperson Bernard Marriot Lusengo, who believes they can kick-start the club’s 60th anniversary celebrations by delivering the title, which was last won by club legend Kalisto Pasuwa in 2014.
More critical for Marriot though is the need for Dynamos to reposition themselves for a sustained onslaught for trophies and reclaim the dominance they used to enjoy for decades before being dethroned by FC Platinum.
Marriot believes the journey starts with rejuvenating their development teams.
He told The Sunday Mail Sport he is also keen to see a women’s team being part of their structures.
“We believe the team that we have in the Premier Soccer League at the moment has the capacity to win the championship and, as such, in the event that we are crowned champions, we also wouldn’t want to be found wanting in terms of the CAF regulations, which require clubs participating in the Champions League to have women’s teams.
“So we are working around the clock to establish a women’s team and also searching for sponsorship for them,’’ Marriot said.
DeMbare have since appointed a development committee that would spearhead their back-to-basics drive and rejuvenate junior structures.
The committee is headed by businessman Beadle Musa Gwasira and has Clemence Chimbare as his deputy, secretary Vincent Chawonza and treasurer Tafara Madhara.
The duo of Tadmore Mapenzauswa and Douglas Zacharia, who are committee members, complete the cast that will work closely with the Dynamos junior coaches.
They will also work with the club’s former left-back Stanley Chirambadare, who, through his Domboshava-based academy, has been tasked to scout for talent.
Marriot insisted Dynamos needed to reclaim their reputation as a dominant force in the national and continental game.
“Dynamos Football Club is the biggest showroom for Zimbabwe football.
“It is the platform on which the best football products and services are showcased.
“As the most decorated club in Zimbabwe will be turning 60 years next year, a host of exciting innovations and projects would befit the special celebrations.”
Dynamos, he reckons, have the potential to grow bigger than their current status.
“The club has a lot of potential, which should be optimally unlocked and the appointment of the development committee for the club is one of the best ways to reposition Dynamos.”
It is believed the committee will play a pivotal role in creating the growth hub for the club in terms of talent, business development, global networking, modern technology, mega events, women’s football, research and, above all, fan engagement.
The Dynamos board chair said their target was to start their special 60th anniversary celebrations this year.
Winger Bill Antonio, currently in Belgium for trials, headlines the latest crop of talented players to emerge from Dynamos’ junior ranks.
Players such as former captains Desmond Maringwa and Murape Murape also came through the DeMbare development programme, as did the celebrated “Kidznet’’ project that included teenage talents such as Samson Choruwa, Eddie Mashiri, Nyasha Chazika, Trymore Mtisi and Leo Kurauzvione.
It is that tradition of “catching them young’’ that Marriot is hopeful Gwasira and his committee can help take to another level.
Online Reporter