Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS have begun the season with a fluency that was missing for the greater part of last year, but coach Genesis “Kaka” Mangombe is already warning against the kind of lapse that nearly cost them their place in the top-flight.
Three games in, DeMbare are unbeaten, two wins and a draw, with six goals scored and a renewed sharpness that has pulled supporters back to the stands.
It is a marked shift from the uncertainty that defined their campaign at the same stage last season, when goals dried up and confidence faded.
Yet Mangombe is not reading too much into the early numbers as his side prepares to face winless newcomers Agama at Wadzanayi this afternoon, a fixture that on paper leans heavily in Dynamos’ favour.
He has seen enough in football to know how quickly momentum can turn.
“One thing is for certain, I am very happy with what I have seen so far with my team,” said Mangombe.
“If you look at the personnel that I have in the ranks, you will see that it’s a completely new team.
“We have surprised a lot of people and there is confidence in the group right now, but football does not work like that, where you just look at form and expect a result.”
Dynamos’ biggest problem last season was in front of goal. They often controlled matches but failed to convert, a weakness that dragged them into trouble and forced them to fight for survival deep into the campaign.
That area has improved early on.
Goals have come from different areas, the movement is sharper and the team looks more settled, but Mangombe is quick to point out that consistency, not flashes of brilliance, will define their season.
“As a coach, I am happy with how my team is doing business, especially when it comes to scoring goals,” he said.
“This was a major weakness for the club last year, but now we are getting goals from everyone and everywhere. That is a positive.
“But we are not going ahead of ourselves. We have told the boys to stay grounded because these are the moments where you can lose your balance.”
Agama arrive under pressure after three straight defeats to CAPS United, Bulawayo Chiefs and Herentals, conceding six goals in the process.
Their record suggests a side still adjusting to life at this level, yet Mangombe is treating them with caution, pointing to their structure and the work of coach Mark Mathe.
“I saw them against CAPS United. Their structure is good and they have a good coach in Mark Mathe,” he said.
“When you play Dynamos, sometimes the pressure is not the same for the other team. That can make them dangerous, so we have to be careful.”
Chief striker Jairos Kasondo, who has already found the net twice this season, says the players are aware of what is expected after the encouraging start.
“As players, we know our responsibility. We have a huge following behind us and that comes with pressure,” said Kasondo.
“We are not looking ahead of ourselves. We respect every opponent because we know what happened last year. Any team can beat you if you are not ready.
“Agama have a good side, but we are going there to perform.”
Elsewhere, Rufaro Stadium hosts a meeting between Scottland and FC Hunters, both still unbeaten after three rounds. Hunters have drawn all their matches without conceding, while Scottland have mixed a win with two draws, setting up a contest that could shape the early direction for both teams.
Hunters coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera believes his side has what it takes to find a way past the reigning champions.
Tinaye Agere