Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN Dynamos trek to Norton’s Ngoni Stadium for a date with MWOS this afternoon, Aristica Cioaba will be hoping to once again feel the love from the Blue Army.
The technical director received a royal welcome on his Rufaro debut last Sunday after guiding the Glamour Boys to a 4-0 demolition of AGAMA, their biggest win of the season.
Four days later, Dynamos completed the remaining 14 minutes of their abandoned clash against Hardrock at Baobab and secured a 1-0 (2-1 aggregate) victory.
The “mini” fixture was the conclusion of a match abandoned at Chahwanda on May 24 following crowd trouble, with the Premier Soccer League ordering the remaining minutes to be played at a neutral venue.
Although Cioaba prepared the team, PSL regulations prevented him from taking his place on the bench because only officials who had been part of the original fixture were permitted to complete the match.
Two victories in seven days have quickly endeared the Romanian to Dynamos supporters.
He appreciates the warmth, but knows results will decide how long it lasts.
“Dynamos are a huge club. I know the fans love good results and they want three points every week,” said Cioaba.
“I am happy that we started on a good note. I feel the love, but I also understand that for me to continue feeling that, I have to give them the results they want.
“We are not taking any game lightly. We are going to prepare for three points every day although sometimes victory may not come.”
Cioaba urged Dynamos fans to be patient.
“Fans are happy, but we are not yet there, so they should be patient,” he said. “Give us at least three or four weeks so that the boys fully adapt to the new philosophy.
“Such big teams rely a lot on their fans. If we are united we can achieve a lot. For now we are focusing on our own race. We want to understand our philosophy, perfect our art and ensure that we are in good shape to face any opponent.”
This afternoon brings his first real examination.
DeMbare sit third on 37 points, 12 behind leaders Scottland, and victory could lift them to second if Hardrock fail to beat Herentals.
Dynamos could hand Callum English Brown his long-awaited debut after the forward finally completed his registration last week following delays with his paperwork.
MWOS, meanwhile, are looking to recover from last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Bulawayo Chiefs.
“We have been battling for consistency this season and this is something we need to rectify. Dynamos will be a huge task, but we have to rise to the occasion,” said coach Lloyd Mutasa.
“For us to win games, we need goals, so when you play a huge team like this, it is always best to get early goals. In this way, the boys gain confidence.
“The last time we were home, Highlanders made life tough for us, so we need to give our fans something to smile about today. We will not look at the stature of the opponent.”
Elsewhere, second-placed Hardrock face another demanding afternoon away to Herentals, who have strengthened their attack with the return of Prince Chama and Kudzai Sangare.
Coach Paul Benza knows the challenge posed by a Hardrock side boasting Warriors stars Washington Navaya, Prince Dube and Gerald Takwara.
“It is not easy to play a side that has so much talent. We have to be at our best to match them,” said Benza.
“We have a blend of youngsters and experienced players whose combination has proved effective, so we are good to go.”
At Wadzanai, AGAMA host fellow strugglers Triangle in a bottom-of-the-table encounter.
Both sides have 11 points after 21 matches, although Triangle will remain rooted to the foot of the table even with victory.
The Blue Army have embraced Cioaba after two encouraging victories.
This afternoon in Norton, he gets his first chance to show their new-found belief is built on more than a promising start.
