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IT’S a question worth asking – Are Dynamos now officially the BEST of the REST?
How times change.
For a long time, in their existence, which is now creeping towards the magical 60th anniversary, DeMbare were the BEST of the BEST.
The beast in the kraal, the kings in the kingdom and the lions in the jungle.
Even their logo has a lion, as if to remind everyone of their raw power, fearlessness and authority.
But, the Glamour Boys appear to have become the best of the rest of the pack now struggling to keep pace with FC Platinum.
The Zvishavane miners have replaced them as the BEST of the BEST.
Of course, it’s a bit confusing when the margins, which are making the difference, are so thin.
The reality remains that DeMbare didn’t lose to FC Platinum, in both league encounters this season, with the two matches ending goalless.
Their Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final showdown at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday also ended goalless and had to be decided by a penalty shootout.
So, in 270 minutes of action, there has been nothing to separate the two clubs on the pitch with a post-match shootout needed, in the knockout tournament, to decide the outcome.
The statistics show two balanced clubs but the brutality of this game is that, unlike boxing, it’s not the head-to-head contests which define who should be king.
It’s about how you fare in other battles, against other opponents, and here Norman Mapeza and his men have been ruthless.
In their last 14 league matches, they have won a dozen of them, dropping points only in draws against DeMbare and the resurgent Black Rhinos.
They have conceded the least number of goals (nine), in the league, at an average of a goal every three games.
Their imperious defence, marshaled by Wallace Magalagane, who is now a top contender for the Soccer Star of the Year, was again on show on Sunday.
In crucial moments they held their nerve and, when they needed guidance from the likes of Gift Bello, it was provided accordingly.
The same cannot be said about DeMbare.
Godknows Murwira’s tame effort from the spot, in the shootout, was another demonstration of the fear of failure, rather than the risky pursuit of success, which has been pegging back these Glamour Boys. There was an inevitability about it, that they were likely to collapse in the shootout, and that’s exactly what happened.
Just as there was an inevitability about them failing to hold on to their precious lead, against Rhinos at Vengere, in the dying embers of that huge league game.
The Glamour Boys are not far off the pace when compared against FC Platinum but there is a steely determination, among the miners, which the Harare giants don’t appear to have.
That’s what separates them.
It’s what makes FC Platinum, who are on course not only to win the League and Cup double but also a fourth championship, on the bounce, the BEST of the BEST.
And, it’s what makes Dynamos, who are on course to end another season empty handed, the BEST of the REST.
The one better than all the other clubs but behind FC Platinum, in the pecking order.
Online Reporter