Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SAUL CHAMINUKA has been in charge of Dynamos for two games after replacing Lloyd “Ma Blanyo” Chigowe a fortnight ago.
As expected, it hasn’t been a soft landing for the nomadic coach, who has picked just a single point out of a possible six following a 1-1 draw in the Harare Derby against perennial city rivals CAPS United.
That promising start was followed by a 2-1 defeat by Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab last Saturday.
The centre is not holding for the Harare giants, who remain deep in the relegation mire with just nine points from 13 games, only two ahead of basement side Kwekwe United and one ahead of fellow strugglers Triangle.
But Chaminuka has refused to wave the white towel in the face of the grim outlook that has now been compounded by the fact that Dynamos have been handed a ban from registering new players by FIFA until they settle a US$18 500 debt owed to Ghanaians Emmanuel Paga and Frederick Ansah Botchway.
Despite the adversity, Chaminuka has every reason to be optimistic, with the body of evidence showing some positivity in his philosophy.
Although he failed to pocket maximum points from his opening assignments, Chaminuka has seen his charges getting to score in two consecutive games for the first time this season.
Goals have been a rarity at Dynamos in 2025. Captain Emmanuel Jalai rolled home a penalty as Dynamos opened the scoring against CAPS United, while a Frank Agyemang cross was turned home by Ngezi goalkeeper Tendai Chirara in the match against the Mhondoro miners.
It is a positive, Chaminuka says he is keen on building from. On Sunday the former Bikita Minerals, GreenFuel, ZPC Kariba and Kwekwe United.
And the seasoned gaffer is keen to build on these positive details going into the upcoming games, starting with the Battle of Zimbabwe against Highlanders at Rufaro on Sunday.
“Yes, seeing my team getting to score goals is a huge step towards the right direction,” said Chaminuka.
“I am happy to see these youngsters getting into those scoring positions and getting to force in the goals.
“The hunger they are showing at training and the energy they are putting in games is something to build on. I am very optimistic about the future.
“When I arrived at the team two weeks ago, the players showed a lot of zeal and nothing has changed. They have been working very hard, and I should admit that I have seen them doing that also in the field of play.
“It was never easy going to face CAPS United and then Ngezi Platinum Stars in a matter of a week. But the players are showing some good resolve and fighting spirit.”
While they have been scoring, Chaminuka is worried given the team’s propensity to concede once they have taken the lead.
“I think we need to be consistent and concentrate a lot once we get to score. These are some of the things that we need to attend to as we work on trying to pick the right rhythm.
“The team is a work-in-progress and we just need to keep on working, polishing up the rough edges and we can start to get going. We are not very far from where we want to be. But at times, we just need to grind the results where we can.”
The punishing schedule for Chaminuka sees his team coming face-to-face against old rivals Highlanders at a time when the Glamour Boys are bleeding.
But midfielder Valentine Kadonzvo believes the hard knocks should spur the team, especially against Bosso.
The Bulawayo giants have so far been performing decently and are the odds-on favourites to clinch the first instalment of the Battle of Zimbabwe showdown at Rufaro on Sunday. Kadonzvo, however, said the scales are balanced each time Dynamos play Highlanders, with the team that apply themselves well on the day likely to wrap up the game.
“Look, when we faced CAPS United last week, a lot was said and people thought we were going to be trembling given our prevailing challenges. But what happened?
“That’s what happens in big games. We were even very unlucky not to win that match. And against Highlanders, we have got an equal chance of winning the game too,” said Kadonzvo.
“These are big games no matter what. These are games determined on the day and influenced by how one team would have applied themselves in the game. These are games that are never determined by current form or even history.
“For us, we know taking three points will be more than just a win. It will be a huge starting point for our revival, which we know is certainly possible.
“If you closely analyse our recent games, you will see that we are never far off the standard. We just need that breakthrough win and everything will fall into place. And it will be very huge if those points can come against Highlanders, which is what we are working on right now.”
Online Reporter