Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
IT has now been a year since Dynamos sealed their historic partnership with Sakunda Holdings, which has been credited for DeMbare’s transformation.
Oiled by financial backing from Sakunda, who will be injecting close to US$1 million per annum, Dynamos have transformed from a team that fought relegation in 2019 to a side that is now challenging for honours on two fronts.
While they still have a realistic chance of wresting the league title from FC Platinum, Dynamos are also in the race for this year’s Chibuku Super Cup.
Interestingly, they meet FC Platinum in a blockbuster quarterfinal clash at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The high-profile clash has been dubbed “the final before the final”.
Thousands of fans are expected to throng the giant stadium to witness the match, which is the pick of this weekend’s quarterfinal clashes.
Herentals date Manica Diamonds at the National Sports Stadium on Saturday, before 2019 winners Highlanders play Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Black Rhinos also play Chicken Inn at Vengere on Sunday, but the major focus is on the clash between Dynamos and FC Platinum, given the history between these two sides.
The “beef” between Dynamos and FC Platinum dates back to 2011 when DeMbare denied Pure Platinum Play what would have been a historic championship title in their debut season.
At some point that season, FC Platinum led the race by 10 points, but Dynamos clawed back to snatch the title after inflicting a painful 1-0 win over their nemesis at Mandava during the penultimate round of the campaign.
DeMbare then dumped FC Platinum out of the 2015 Chibuku Super Cup courtesy of a 7-6 win on penalties in the last-eight.
FC Platinum got their revenge last season when they knocked Dynamos out of the premier cup competition at the semi-final stage.
Sunday’s meeting will be the third between Dynamos and FC Platinum in the competition.
Both teams are in the running for the league title.
FC Platinum lead the standings with 58 points, eight ahead of second-placed Dynamos going into the last seven rounds of the 2021/2022 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.
“We are anticipating a huge turnout on Sunday given the magnitude of this clash. The players are preparing and as the administration, we are also geared to give our fans a day to remember.
“We want to create a carnival atmosphere that befits such a grand occasion,” said Dynamos spokesperson Tinashe Farawo.
A Chitungiwza-based Dynamos supporter, Tinei Chari, thinks DeMbare’s only realistic hope of silverware now lies with the Chibuku Super Cup.
“This is a massive game. Dynamos versus FC Platinum is always huge,” he said.
“If you look at the title race, you can see that our chances of winning the championship are getting slimmer by each passing week … I have a feeling this could be the year Dynamos finally breaks the Chibuku Super Cup jinx,” said Chari.
DeMbare are yet to lay their hands on the Chibuku Super Cup since its inception in 2014.
They reached the final in 2015 but lost 2-1 to Harare City.
Online Reporter