DeMbare reflect post derby

Eddie Chikamhi

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE Harare Derby may have rekindled its old magic, but for Dynamos it also exposed deeper concerns that could force the club into making “hard decisions” in the coming weeks.

The Glamour Boys not only slumped to a 2-1 defeat, but also had the quality and depth in their squad tested after they were thoroughly outclassed by their old rivals in front of a capacity crowd.

Despite the added motivation of a US$1 200 winning bonus from the club and a high-profile pledge of a luxury team bus from businessman Wicknell Chivayo, Dynamos failed to deliver.

Chivayo still honoured the promise with US$50 000 in cash, but the result left a sour taste for a club that has now gone five matches without a win; a run threatening to offset a promising campaign.

A member of the executive yesterday said “difficult decisions” could be made with regard to the technical side if the situation is not arrested in the coming games.

“Generally, we are happy with the direction this project has been taking. The attendance on Sunday was a vote of confidence in the team. But then we cannot continue slipping like this.

“Our fans enjoy it when we are winning. So, the next two games against Herentals (on Thursday) and Triangle (Sunday) are must-win games.

“Of course, we have plans to beef up the squad during the mid-season transfer window but as it stands, the leadership could be forced to make some difficult decisions if things don’t change,” said an official.

Dynamos have drawn their previous matches with FC Platinum, Scottland and ZPC Kariba and then lost by identical margins to Chicken Inn and CAPS United.

As a result, they tumbled from second place to seventh in a matter of weeks. They managed only three points from a possible 15, and the poor run has also driven coach Genesis Mangombe into a deep soul-searching.

“I’m not happy with the results we are posting. But at the same time, the good thing that I like is we are managing to score.

“If you score and you are poor at the back, at least you have to work on the defending aspect and then try to make sure you improve on finishing.

“The good thing is we are managing to score and we have somewhere to start. So, it’s only five games, and we have two losses and three draws.

“Which means we need to rectify our mistakes and try to polish it up and start collecting maximum points on the midway,” said Mangombe.

Played on the backdrop of colourful scenes and an electric atmosphere, the Harare Derby proved why it remains one of the biggest fixtures on the domestic football calendar after 25 054 paid to watch the game. This is by far one of the biggest attendances in the last decade.

Last year 14 475 paid to watch the second Harare Derby. That figure was a big jump from the first leg which attracted only 8 622, the lowest ever attendance for the Harare Derby, at that time when DeMbare supporters boycotted games in protest against the club’s leadership.

But on Sunday, the Harare Derby turned back the hands of time. The match, which brought business and traffic in the vicinity of the stadium to a virtual stand-still, was played in the true spirit of a derby.

The Premier Soccer League gave credit to both teams for creating a lively atmosphere.

“We would like to express our sincere appreciation to football fans across the country for the passionate support they have shown to their respective teams since the start of the season.

“In particular, we thank all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the Harare Derby between Dynamos FC and CAPS United FC this past Sunday, making it a truly special occasion,” said the league’ Communications and Media Liaison Officer, Kudzai Bare.

“More than 25,000 paying fans created an incredible atmosphere, once again demonstrating the power, passion and unity of our football family.

“We also extend our gratitude to our valued partners for their continued support of football and commend the efforts by the clubs and stakeholders, working closely with the PSL, to ensure every matchday is success-fully organised.

“We remain committed to providing a safe, secure and enjoyable match-day environment that protects the reputation of our clubs and the game as a whole.”

Bare also berated a section of CAPS United supporters who hurled missiles onto the pitch, causing a five-minute stoppage, after DeMbare were awarded a penalty in the second half.

“At the same time, we urge all supporters to refrain from missile throwing and any other forms of misconduct. Such behaviour creates unnecessary negative attention, places a significant financial burden on clubs, and takes away from the positive spirit of the game.

“Let us all continue to play our part by reporting bad behaviour or unethical conduct whenever we see it, while supporting our teams in a responsible and respectful manner.

“Keep bringing the energy, keep supporting football, and keep filling our stadiums as we continue building something special together,” said Bare.

The Derby attracted people from all walks of life.

Acting Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Paul Mavima was also part of the crowd. He recognised the role of sport in uniting communities.

“I had the honour of standing in as the Acting Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture at Rufaro Stadium where I witnessed an exciting football encounter involving CAPS United and Dynamos,” he wrote on Twitter.

“The vibrant atmosphere and unity displayed by supporters once again highlighted the important role sport plays in bringing communities together, empowering young people and promoting national pride.

“Government remains committed to supporting the growth and development of sport in Zimbabwe in line with Vision 2030.”