Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GIVEN a choice, Dynamos would prefer relegation survival and not a historic Chibuku Super Cup treble.
The Harare giants remained stuck in the drop zone after a goalless draw at Rufaro last Sunday, a result that moved their points tally to 29 and three below the safety line.
But, DeMbare are also still in the hunt for what could be an unprecedented three consecutive Chibuku Super Cup titles.
They return to Rufaro for the Chibuku Super Cup quarterfinal clash against ZPC Kariba on Saturday.
Ideally, DeMbare would love to achieve both – relegation survival and a third Chibuku Super Cup on the trot, but skipper Emmanuel Jalai is cautious.
While both FC Platinum and Harare City have won the Cup twice, no team has won the tournament in succession.
Dynamos wining a third in a row would be a record that could last for a long time.
“Records are meant to be broken, but it’s never easy,” Jalai told Zimpapers Sports Hub on Tuesday.
The Warriors right back has led from the front as Dynamos seek to avoid what could be an astonishing relegation from the top flight.
DeMbare have never been relegated since 1963.
There are some who believe Jalai could become a Dynamos legend, should he lead DeMbare to survival.
But, for now, the Harare giants have to shift focus to the Chibuku Super Cup.
Dynamos won their first Chibuku Super Cup in 2023, when they beat Ngezi Platinum Stars 2-0 at Baobab in Mhondoro.
They retained the Cup last season, after beating the same opponents 4-2 on penalties at Rufaro.
The Glamour Boys are now targeting a third in a row.
“We shift focus to the Chibuku Super Cup, where we are playing against a very difficult opponent.
“We are facing a tough team in ZPC Kariba but we will do our best for us to progress to the next stage,” said Jalai.
While crowd puller Denver Mukamba has been the club’s poster boy in recent weeks, Jalai has been consistent on the right channel, where his up and down runs are a marvel to watch.
The 26-year-old Jalai is once again expected to inspire Dynamos when they host ZPC Kariba on Saturday.
Kauya Katuruturu are still recovering from a shock 0-2 home defeat against Ngezi Platinum Stars in a league match last Saturday.
Jalai feels ZPC Kariba will be tough to break.
“For now, we are taking one game at a time.
“What is key is to focus on ourselves and see how it goes at the end,” added Jalai.
Dynamos booked a quarterfinal berth after edging Simba Bhora on penalties in a first round clash played at Wadzanai in Shamva.
ZPC Kariba defeated Chicken Inn in the round of 16.
