DEMBARE TAKE PRE-SEASON TO HWANGE

Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub

GENESIS MANGOMBE has been calm and a bit more calculative on his second coming at Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) giants Dynamos.

As he clocks 30 days in charge since his sensational return, having been lured from Triangle United, Mangombe is preaching the gospel of patience.

He wants to take it bit by bit, fully aware of the demands that come with coaching a Dynamos side that has demanding fans and yet the Harare giants have failed to win the championship in a dozen years.

Trendsetting coach Kalisto Pasuwa was the last to deliver the league championship to Dynamos when completing his four-peat in 2014 following a close two-horse race with ZPC Kariba.

Although the Dynamos fans have found some solace from their team’s dominance of the Chibuku Super Cup, which they have won a record three times in succession, the supporters have had to endure the agony of witnessing their team fight against relegation in at least two seasons.

Last season, the Harare giants survived the chop on the final day of the league programme and a week before they clinched the Chibuku Super Cup via a 1-0 win over Triangle at Gibbo.

Ironically, Mangombe was on the opposing dugout as he was still in charge of Triangle, with Kelvin Kaindu coaching Dynamos.

About 40 days later, Mangombe dumped the Sugar Boys and made a sensational return to DeMbare.

The youthful gaffer has been trying to stitch together a decent team, following departures of key players, including influential skipper Emmanuel Jalai, who is now at Durban City in South Africa; and goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa, who has joined league champions Scottland.

Veteran midfielder Temptation Chiwunga is now at Chicken Inn.

“We have been preparing just like what other teams have been doing.

“Things are slowly taking shape. Bit by bit, we will get to where we want to be,” Mangombe told Zimpapers Sports Hub.

DeMbare have made some notable signings, who include 2022 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Golden Boot winner William Manondo and former ZPC Kariba gunman Moses Demera.

Dynamos have also roped in a defender from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Isaac Landu; and a forward, Stanley Billiat, from Malawi giants Nyasa Big Bullets.

Mandlenkosi Mlilo has also joined DeMbare from Yadah, while Prosper Kafelapanjira is still under assessment.

Rising star and former Triangle United winger Witness Shave is also now at Dynamos

Forgotten winger Callum English-Brown is on the verge of sealing a move to the Harare giants.

Also known as the “White Lion”, or “Grealish”, the talented English-Brown is making a comeback after pursuing a career away from football in the last two years.

The 25-year-old flying winger rocked the Premiership when he turned out for Whawha in 2022.

Since then, he disappeared from the scene, with stints at Chicken Inn and English non-league side Taunton failing to bear any fruit.

The Legends Football Academy product is now on the verge of sealing a move to Dynamos, who are planning to make the winger their poster boy for the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.

English-Brown is part of the Dynamos squad that leaves for Hwange today.

DeMbare will set a training base in the town ahead of their Jairos Jiri Charity Cup clash against Highlanders at Barbourfields on Sunday.

“The boy (English-Brown) has been training with us and he looks good. He is definitely in our plans, although for now we can’t confirm any deal,” revealed Mangombe.

“Callum has been doing all sorts of things at training and we are excited to have him as part of the group that will travel to Hwange for the camp.

“We are also adding a centre back, Isaac Landu, a very steady defender with a calm head.

“Landu should be a good addition for Dynamos.”