Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS have gone 88 days without defeat.
Their last loss was to CAPS United in the Harare Derby on May 10.
The Glamour Boys have played 14 league matches during that period, registering six victories and eight draws.
They are the only unbeaten side in the second half of the campaign, a run that has brought them back into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title conversation.
However, given the quality and consistency of the two teams above them, their best chance of ending the season with silverware could lie in the Cup competitions – the Munhumutapa Cup Challenge and the Chibuku Super Cup.
Dynamos have dominated the Chibuku Super Cup in recent years, winning the last three editions. They will now be seeking a record-extending fourth consecutive title while also mounting a challenge for the inaugural Munhumutapa Cup.
Their resurgence has been built around a solid defensive unit.
Dynamos last conceded in a 1-1 draw against Highlanders in Bulawayo in June and have since kept six consecutive clean sheets.
That record is the one they will be hoping to maintain when they face bogey side Hwange in the Munhumutapa Cup Challenge on Saturday at the Colliery.
“We have started preparing for the game. Today is our last training session in Harare before we begin the long journey,” said coach Aristica Cioba.
“We will travel to Bulawayo tomorrow (today), train there and spend the night. We will then continue to Hwange the following day (Friday).”
Cioba is aware of Hwange’s impressive record against Dynamos and expects a difficult encounter at the coalminers’ home ground.
“Hwange have always been a difficult opponent for Dynamos, especially at their home ground, but we believe we have solutions for them,” he said.
“I know the history of this fixture. I always gather as much information as possible about every opponent we face.”
The Romanian also revealed that his technical team has been studying Hwange’s performances in the Southern Region Soccer League.
“They are leading their First Division league and have lost only one match while drawing six.
“Our technical team has been gathering more information about them,” said Cioba.
“It will not be an easy game. They are a First Division side, but that will give them extra motivation and energy to compete against us. “However, we have a good plan for the match.”
Cioba challenged his players to respect both the opposition and the Dynamos badge as they target progression to the next round.
“The players must understand that it will be a very difficult game and that we cannot afford to make mistakes,” he said.
“They must respect the Dynamos name, respect our position in the league and fight for victory and qualification to the next round.”
