Eddie Chikamhi and Innocent Kurira
DYNAMOS technical director Aristica Cioaba says the Harare giants remain focused on securing a top-four finish after edging already relegated Manica Diamonds in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Rufaro yesterday.
Cioaba praised his charges after exciting winger Leeroy Mavunga grabbed the solitary goal of the match with a well-taken shot soon after the restart.
Manica Diamonds, who missed two of their key players Ask Rupande and Lawrence Masibhera, had no answers to the setback, which marked their 20th defeat of a disappointing season.
The Gem Boys, under the tutelage of former Dynamos coach Herbert Maruwa, however, did not go down without a fight although playing for nothing but to salvage some form of pride after the team was confirmed relegated with some games to spare.
But for Dynamos, the win was another step for Cioaba towards achieving his target for a top four finish, which is now a contest between DeMbare and their old rivals CAPS United.
The Glamour Boys supporters also appeared to enjoy the win, which propelled their team back in the top four with 55 points after they had been dislodged overnight by Makepekepe, who had taken their tally to 54 points the previous day following a 1-0 away win to ZPC Kariba.
“You know, it’s clear now, two teams are fighting for the number four, that is CAPS United and Dynamos. Our team needs confidence, our team needs focus and trust,” said Cioaba, who indicated they now need to finish on a high ahead of the final match of the season against newboys FC Hunters.
“It’s possible to win the last game, but it’s not easy. We played a good opponent, FC Hunters. It’s a good team but we need to continue to be serious with the job going into the last game and try to win the game and finish according to our plan,” said Cioaba.
The DeMbare coach yesterday made a few changes to his team, starting Nathan Mutasa and Witness Shave, and also later on giving a debut senior cap to Raymond Kundasi.
Despite the defeat, Manica Diamonds coach Maruwa refused to keep his head down.
“We lost but I’m happy with the youngsters. They did very well. They managed to express themselves. It’s not easy; imagine bringing 13 infield players with only two subs, but they did very well. You can see the average age of the boys we played. It’s very encouraging,” said Maruwa.
At Barbourfields, what was supposed to be the perfect farewell, a home victory to send Highlanders into the Chibuku Super Cup final with confidence, was not delivered.
But TelOne had other ideas.
The Gweru side spoiled the occasion by holding Bosso to a 2-2 draw in their final home match of the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season yesterday.
Highlanders went into the match without head coach Benjani Mwaruwari, who is in Nigeria on unspecified business, while midfielder Mongameli Tshuma and goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya were also unavailable because of national team commitments.
The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute through Johannes Mabwe, who found himself unmarked inside the box before curling the ball beyond Highlanders goalkeeper Reward Muza.
Bosso struggled to find a response before the break, with the visitors taking their advantage into half-time.
Highlanders eventually restored parity in the 70th minute when Isaac Ngoma converted from the penalty spot, giving the home supporters renewed hope.
Ngoma went on to complete his brace, scoring Highlanders’ second goal to bring the hosts level at 2-2 and rescue a point from the encounter.
Mkhokheli Dube, who addressed the media in Mwaruwari’s absence, appreciated the supporters’ continued belief in the team.
“Coach is away in Nigeria. Fans are still singing up there which shows the supporters believe in the character the players showed,” said Dube.
TelOne coach Joel Luphahla said his players had drawn motivation from their relegation status.
“Coming here having been relegated motivated the guys,” he said.
The perfect ending at Barbourfields did not materialise.
The biggest opportunity to deliver one for their supporters, however, remains, the Chibuku Super Cup final.
