Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPITAL city rivals Dynamos and CAPS United head into their Easter weekend fixtures coming from very different places.
While CAPS United dropped points in a 1-0 defeat to Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab on Thursday, Dynamos edged MWOS by the same margin at Rufaro to keep their momentum going.
The result tightened things at the top.
CAPS United sit on 12 points, just one ahead of Dynamos, who travel to Shamva this afternoon for a tricky date against defending champions Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi.
Makepekepe return home to Rufaro where they host struggling Manica Diamonds, looking to steady themselves after that first setback of the campaign.
Before the loss to Madamburo, they had been perfect — five wins out of five.
Dynamos, though, have quietly built something solid. They are still unbeaten with three wins and two draws. Victories over TelOne, Bulawayo Chiefs and MWOS have given them a base, while the draws against Highlanders showed they can stand their ground in big games.
They head to Wadzanayi knowing history is not on their side.
Dynamos have never won a league match there against Simba Bhora.
But there is belief in the camp.
The Glamour Boys have cut the gap at the top to a single point and the mood around the squad has lifted.
Performances have improved and the players have responded.
There was also a financial boost.
Each player received US$500 after the win over MWOS, a reward that has added to the positive energy in camp.
Coach Genesis Mangombe is pleased with the start, but is not getting carried away.
“It’s important for me to applaud the boys for a job well done against MWOS. Beating last year’s runners-up was something commendable,” he said.
“We have started the season well, the players are highly motivated and they are raring to go. What’s critical is for us to remain grounded and focused.”
He expects a tough afternoon in Shamva.
“The win against MWOS is now water under the bridge. We are now focusing on the game against Simba Bhora, who are a very tough opponent.
“We are Dynamos and we have to fight to win every game, and we will try our best,” he said.
Simba Bhora, meanwhile, will not make it easy.
The 2024 champions are yet to concede this season, but their goalless draw against Bulawayo Chiefs last time outstretched their winless run to three matches.
They have built their campaign on defensive discipline, even as results have slowed.
Coach Mandla Mpofu knows what is coming.
“It’s another tough match for us. But I’m happy that we are the only club yet to concede and we should build on that as we go for our next set of maximum points. It won’t be easy, we will need to fight to the end,” said Mpofu.
Dynamos kept things light in their final preparations with a session at Glamis Arena yesterday.
Club chairman Vincent Chawonza and secretary Divine Sena were in attendance.
Across town, CAPS United have their own job to do.
The loss at Ngezi brought them back to earth and there is pressure to respond.
They face a Manica Diamonds side still searching for its first win of the season.
The Mutare outfit sits bottom of the table with just one point from five matches.
On paper, it looks like an opportunity for Makepekepe to get back on track.
On the pitch, they will need to show it.
