Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Dynamos – wounded, wobbling, and under siege – walk into a buzzing Norton for what could be the most symbolic fixture of their season: a fiery showdown against surprise leaders MWOS, in the official topflight opening of Ngoni Stadium.
This Easter Monday clash has become more than just a league match. For hosts MWOS, it’s a historic “housewarming party” in their maiden Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign. For Dynamos, it’s a fight for redemption and maybe survival for under-fire coach Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe.
With two successive defeats piling pressure on the Glamour Boys, sections of their restless fan base have already begun calling for changes in the technical team and at the club’s highest echelons, including the board chaired by Bernard Marriot.
Now, as Norton braces for its biggest ever football occasion, the challenge awaiting DeMbare is immense.
Ngoni Stadium was officially homologated this week after undergoing extensive renovations, and the energy in Norton is electric.
MWOS, riding high at the top of the table, are dreaming of scripting their name into folklore by beating the country’s most decorated club in their first home league fixture.
MWOS have had a dream start to life in the big league – four wins and two draws from their opening six matches, collecting 14 out of a possible 18 points.
By contrast, Dynamos are floundering. Just six points from six games, and a string of blunt performances have seen them hover dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Chigowe, however, remains defiant and believes his side can rise to the occasion.
“We have got an idea of how most football clubs play. We know that they (MWOS) are on a roll,” said Chigowe.
“We have tasted defeat in two consecutive matches. That should spur us on to give a very good fight in Norton.
“At least we have got a long preparation period. We assess those guys who are better ready because we have already lost Temptation Chiwunga and we have got Freddy Aleck who is also out (injured).
“We are trying to see whether Tellmore Pio will be up to the task. But we expect that by Saturday we will have a clear idea of how we are going to play and who is going to play.”
Dynamos’ toothlessness in front of goal has been a glaring issue – they’ve scored only twice in more than 540 minutes of football. But the lanky gaffer insists the team is close to turning a corner.
“No, we are not panicking,” he said.
“This team has not been outperformed. We lost probably when we have given a very good fight, like in Manicaland where we gave Manica Diamonds a torrid time.
“We were unfortunate to concede an early goal in the first 15 minutes. But from the 30-50 minutes up to the end, they were under the bus.
“You saw the see-saw that was the match against Chicken Inn. We were so desperate to get three points, we threw the caution to the wind, and we were caught on the break.
“Otherwise, we are not panicking. We believe these boys will get it right.”
Chigowe has previously said he expected a slow start, given the team is essentially rebuilding from scratch after an off-season player exodus. He has appealed for patience and the continued support of the club’s loyal fans.
“As always, with them we are Dynamos. Without them we are ‘Chinamos’. They should continue to rally behind the team,” he said.
“I appreciate that we have a number of youngsters who are still to adjust to being Dynamos. But they learnt the hard lesson in the game against Chicken Inn when they faced hostility from their own. I think that should spur them on.
“But ultimately, patience is also key because we are cooking. We are in the middle of a rebuilding exercise and definitely we will get better as the season progresses. We are not a bad side,” said Chigowe.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday: GreenFuel v ZPC Kariba (GreenFuel)
Sunday: Manica Diamonds v TelOne (Sakubva), Triangle v Yadah (Gibbo), CAPS Utd v Bikita Minerals (Rufaro)
Monday: Chicken Inn v Simba Bhora (Luveve), MWOS v Dynamos (Ngoni), Kwekwe Utd v Herentals (Bata), Scottland v FC Platinum (Rufaro), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Highlanders (Baobab)
EASTER MONDAY FIXTURE TO WATCH – LIVE ON ZTN PRIME
MWOS vs DYNAMOS, Monday, April 21, Kick-off: 3PM
Venue: Ngoni Stadium, Norton
Live on ZTN Prime (DStv Channel 294)
Will the Norton fairy tale continue? Or can Dynamos crash the party and reclaim their pride? Don’t miss it!
