dyton mupawaenda
Curtworth Masango
DYNAMOS are just one hurdle away from the US$400000 windfall in the 2024/5 CAF Confederation Cup after overcoming Zambian giants, Zesco United in the first preliminary round.
A 1-0 win in the first leg was enough to decide the fixture as the second leg ended goalless in Ndola on Saturday.
Midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa’s first-leg goal in Gaborone, Botswana, proved enough to send DeMbare to the next round where they will face Orapa United of Botswana, who booted out Seychelles outfit Forrester.
The fixture is set for next month.
Eliminating Orapa will guarantee them a place in the group stage, which comes with a windfall of US $400 000.
Former Dynamos player and goalkeepers’ coach Gift ‘Umbro’ Muzadzi believes this is the right opportunity for the club to reclaim its glory on the continent.
Muzadzi was part of the historic DeMbare side that reached the CAF Champions League final in 1998 and played against Asec Mimosas of Cote D’Ivoire. He believes unity is one of the key fundamentals for the club to be successful ahead of daunting challenges.
“I would like to congratulate everyone who has to work with the team for a job well done but it’s not going to be easy,” said Muzadzi.
“It requires everyone to be united because a lot can happen in the African jungle but I believe they have the pedigree to go far.
“I wish these guys the best of luck. It’s encouraging that these guys have taken the best two steps to reach the next round.
“Football is about taking the next step until you reach the final. And if everything is put in order the team will progress to the next round with this current crop,” he said.
Muzadzi said Dynamos is a big brand critical in remapping the nation as a football stronghold. In years this was the first time since our local clubs were ushered back into the African Safari due to COVID-19 and FIFA suspension.
“Dynamos is a big name in the African Safari as it has a history of doing well and with known capabilities,” he said.
“With a lot that happened through the years that derailed the growth of our local football such as the COVID-19 and FIFA suspension, Dynamos are striving to put the nation back on the map and with the help of God the club will go all the way.
“Considering the feat we achieved in 1998 as a club we should be where teams like Al Ahli and Mamelodi Sundowns are but some things happened that we can’t control that see the club where it is but this is the platform we have to put the club where it belongs.”
He added:
“Going ahead I encourage these guys to prepare for a big task as they are set to witness some of the silliest dirty tactics employed against them.
“So it won’t be easy and a stroll in the park for them but they have to brace themselves for some difficulty. But if they apply and commit themselves well even if they face dirty tactics with unity they will conquer,” said Muzadzi.
Online Reporter