adminEddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS interim coach Lloyd Chigowe is looking beyond just giving a robust fight in the remainder of the Castle Lager Premiership race as he has also been saddled with the task of leading the club on a decent run on their return to the African safari.
Thrust back into the deep end following the long-anticipated “resignation” of Genesis Mangombe earlier this week, Chigowe is not new to these situations.
DeMbare management including board chairman Bernard Marriot-Lusengo have given Chigowe the blessings to take the reins while the dust settles.
His first assignment at Barbourfields is tomorrow against log leaders Simba Bhora in the domestic Premiership is a tricky test for any local coach at the moment, for the Shamva side is in imperious form.
But Chigowe has embraced the challenge, which will be followed by a trip to Botswana where they host Zambian side ZESCO United in a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie next week.
“When you play a humdinger of a match against a club like Simba Bhora who are top of the table, it’s a good preparation and a good test.
“I think it will allow us to gauge where we are going and what our capabilities are,” he said.
Chigowe however, might be a lone ranger on the bench at Barbourfields tomorrow.
His assistant Murape Murape is not accredited to join him in the dugout, while a new goalkeepers’ coach is still being sought to replace Brito Gwere, who abandoned the club for Division One side Scottland along with Mangombe.
But Chigowe still hopes to carry all the pressure on his lean shoulders.
“When you are the head coach of Dynamos, you are under pressure just like the executive President of the state.
“Every team that you play against wants to beat Dynamos and it will be no exception when we play against Simba Bhora. Simba Bhora are on a roll and we will be out to make sure that we play to stop them.
“Given that there is an element of continuity, there isn’t much that is new with the squad.
Probably it’s the approach that will be different.
“Every coach when he comes in brings in his ideas and systems. The boys have responded very well and I think come Saturday we will be good to go.
“We are happy to play at Barbourfields. Last year we collected the majority of our points when we migrated to Barbourfields.
“We haven’t done very well in Harare and I’m particularly worried at Rufaro, which should be our fortress,” said Chigowe.
Dynamos have won only three matches from the 13 games played at Rufaro this season.
The bigger picture, however, is the Confederation Cup assignment. Chigowe is new on this terrain, and much will depend on faith.
As part of their preparations, Dynamos have dispatched a mole to Zambia as well as collect video footages which they hope will assist analyse their opponents before plunging into battle.
“I think by the time we leave we will have a game plan for them. But I believe the real test comes on Saturday (against Simba Bhora).
“Dynamos reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2008 and it was a bigger tournament than this one.
“And, for a team that has been away from African football for a decade, I think the Confederation Cup is a good entry point.
“Rather than go back directly to the Champions League and face giants like Al Ahly and Esperance, we face our neighbours ZESCO and we aim to improve from there.
“We have got good chances, but you have to work hard to achieve your objectives in any area of you endeavour,” said Chigowe.
The 60-year-old coach inherits a side that had been torn apart by dressing room spats between his predecessor and senior players. His immediate task is to instil discipline.
“There has been some wayward behaviour,” he said.
“Some members of the squad have been giving us some problems as a team and probably giving the club bad publicity and we are saying we should put a stop to that and concentrate on the job at hand.
“The job is to play football as professionals. That is how they earn their living and obviously, there were some individuals we had to hammer. Unfortunately, I am not mentioning names,” said Chigowe.
Fixtures
Saturday: Dynamos v Simba Bhora (Barbourfields), Bulawayo Chiefs v Bikita Minerals (Luveve), Yadah v TelOne, (Heart Stadium), GreenFuel v Chicken Inn (GreenFuel), ZPC Kariba v CAPS United (Nyamhunga), FC, Platinum v Arenel Movers (Mandava)
Sunday: Hwange v Chegutu Pirates (Colliery), Highlanders v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Barbourfields), Manica
Diamonds v Herentals (Sakubva)
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