Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS cannot return to continental football before 2028.
Their place in the 2026-2027 CAF Confederation Cup was lost off the field after unpaid dues to former coach Saul Chaminuka left them unable to meet CAF Club Licensing requirements.
The Glamour Boys were subsequently excluded from the Confederation Cup draw held in Cairo, Egypt.
Coach Aristica Cioaba had already started planning for the continental campaign when the club’s exclusion was confirmed.
He must now prepare a team capable of qualifying again.
“We have put that behind us. There is no need to keep talking about it,” said Cioaba.
“Everyone wants to play in CAF competitions because they provide good competition and opportunities.
“The platform gives players experience, but we find ourselves in a situation we cannot control. I have to focus on motivating the players and bringing back their confidence.”
Dynamos will have to win the 2027 Premier Soccer League championship to return to continental football in 2028.
Until this season, winning the Chibuku Super Cup carried Zimbabwe’s CAF Confederation Cup ticket.
That route has now been transferred to the Munhumutapa Cup, while the league champions qualify for the CAF Champions League.
The Chibuku Super Cup remains a major domestic prize.
Dynamos’ tie against TelOne at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon, therefore, has no bearing on their continental qualification prospects.
It does, however, give Cioaba another opportunity to assess the team he wants to build for next season.
“We have to fight again for Africa qualification next year,” he said.
“This is not the end, so let us start building a competitive team for next season.”
His rebuilding plans extend beyond the playing squad.
Cioaba has identified Ghanaian coach Mawulorm Lawrence, who previously worked under him at Aduana Stars, as a possible first assistant.
Clinton Matiza and Thulani Munzabwa are expected to continue as team analyst and fitness trainer, respectively.
The Romanian is also impressed by goalkeeper Harmony Nare, who has taken on additional responsibility working with the club’s other goalkeepers.
“Our analyst is good and understands his job well,” said Cioaba. “I have also asked Nare to work with the goalkeepers, and I am impressed with his drive, mentality and character.”
Nare has been earmarked for a goalkeeper-coaching course in South Africa in January.
He is then expected to attend a 10-day course in Spain beginning on January 25, 2027.
“I am looking at the future. I want him to become an asset for the club,” said Cioaba. “I have worked with the coach from Ghana before and he is good.
“We have four players from Ghana, so in terms of relationships, it will also help. He understands my philosophy.”
Cioaba wants to appoint a second assistant from Zimbabwe as he balances foreign expertise with a local presence in his technical team.
“We have another vacant position for a second assistant from Zimbabwe,” he said.
“We are building a strong technical team for the future. We have a clear plan and want a team that will fight for the championship.”
Cioaba said Dynamos now have eight foreign players, including four Ghanaians, with some aged 21 and 22.
“We brought them here as part of a long-term plan, so continuity will be important,” he said.
There is also an immediate domestic target. Dynamos have won the Chibuku Super Cup in each of the past three seasons and are chasing a record fourth successive title.
Progress against TelOne would keep that defence alive and provide some encouragement after losing their place in Africa.
“I am more concerned about our status as Dynamos,” said Cioaba.
“We should win at least one cup so that next year we have more determination to fight again.”
Today’s opponents provide another link to the licensing failure.
Chaminuka, whose outstanding Dynamos dues are at the centre of the matter, was appointed TelOne coach in May, before Joel Luphahla took charge last week.
Luphahla has had little time to assess a side fighting Premier Soccer League relegation, but he believes the cup offers TelOne an opportunity to rebuild their confidence.
“The game against the reigning Chibuku Super Cup champions can provide some consolation for our poor run,” said Luphahla.
“Winning it would give us confidence when we return to league action next week.
“Preparations went well and we are ready. Such games should naturally motivate the players.
“I have only been here for a week and I am still assessing the squad.
“Time is limited because we have the difficult task of fighting for
survival.”
At Rufaro this afternoon, Cioaba is not chasing a ticket to Africa; he is assessing a team he hopes can earn one through winning the league title.
