Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS technical director Aristica Cioaba will go for quality signings during the mid-season transfer window to bolster the new playing philosophy that he has introduced at the Harare giants.
The Romanian has since made about four recommendations to his employers, including Burkina Faso midfield winger Ben Daouda Sidibe, whom he coached at Aduana during his last coaching stint in Ghana.
DeMbare are also linked with 21-year-old Ghanaian defender Desmond Obeng, also from Aduana.
Cioaba, who arrived in the country early this month, believes reinforcements are necessary if Dynamos are to fully embrace his preferred style of play.
“I had one week, and I have to give a report to the executive of what I see, and maybe I need another three, four quality players to improve my team and play better football,” he said.
“Yes, I selected some players according to what I need based on my philosophy.
“It’s already in our plans, maybe next week you can see two new players coming, some foreigners and some locals.
“I will bring players with the type of play I like to play. I don’t bring a player that does not fit in the playing philosophy of the team.
“I like to give this team identity, philosophy from play, you know, these three games I think we have improved the possession, the aggression, you have the pressing,” said Cioaba.
As part of the Cioaba revolution, a restructuring process is already in motion at Dynamos.
The Harare giants have already allowed several players to leave, among them Enasio Perezo, Mandlenkosi Mlilo, and Jairos Kasondo, who have all been loaned out to Division One clubs after falling down the pecking order.
The trio has not featured in any of the three matches played since Cioaba’s arrival, signalling the beginning of a new era at the club.
Despite the encouraging start, the Romanian has appealed for patience as he continues to mould the team.
His latest test comes on Sunday when Dynamos host 2024 champions Simba Bhora in a potentially explosive league tie at Rufaro.
Dynamos will be seeking a double over Simba Bhora, having beaten Mandla “Lulu’’ Mpofu’s men 1-0 at Wadzanai via a Kasondo goal.
Cioaba insists significant progress has been made, but believes the team is still a work in progress.
“You know it’s a different mentality and philosophy for me, I like all the training intensity, the players working more with the ball, giving clear direction in the game; what move, what you need to see, and also to analyse the opponents.
“We are working, but I need more time in the future. I think many people are talking about the three games.
“Yes, it’s nice, but let’s continue working. If I have more time, I think our team is coming better,” said Cioaba.
He has, however, quickly won over the Dynamos faithful with an attractive brand of football built around possession, high pressing, and attacking intent.
More importantly, he has restored belief among supporters, who had grown frustrated by the team’s inconsistency earlier in the campaign.
Dynamos have now registered three consecutive victories for the first time this season and have emerged as one of the most improved sides in the league.
Cioaba’s reign began with an emphatic 4-0 demolition of AGAMA at Rufaro before he guided the Glamour Boys to a 2-0 victory over MWOS at Ngoni last weekend.
In between those victories, Dynamos also collected maximum points against Hardrock when the remaining 14 minutes of their previously abandoned match were completed.
Although team manager Ronald Sibanda was on the bench that day, Cioaba’s influence was acknowledged as DeMbare secured a crucial 2-1 win.
The resurgence has propelled Dynamos into third place on the log with 40 points from 22 matches, nine behind leaders Scottland.
While talk of a title challenge is beginning to gather momentum, Cioaba remains focused on building a winning culture and strengthening the bond between the team and its passionate supporters.
“In football, everybody must work hard for the fans. If the fans are happy, everything is good for the team,” he said.
“We are playing good football, and it is important to have more fans coming to the games.
“But sometimes when you lose, the fans will shout at you and tell you that you are not good. I don’t like giving fans a chance to talk badly about me.
“I like working hard, and that is why I came here. I want our fans to come in bigger numbers, support the team, and give confidence to the players.
“In my mentality, I don’t like losing. I want to fight to win every game and stay at the top. The players need to adapt to that mentality very quickly,” said Cioaba.
