Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
DENVER MUKAMBA should be hoping to recreate the enduring performance he put together when stinging Dynamos just weeks after he had crossed the floor to bitter rivals CAPS United in 2019.
The midfielder had been told out by then Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa and the other Lloyd (Chitembwe) of Makepekepe was ready to welcome him.
And on the occasion of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Harare derby, before a commendable crowd at the giant National Sports Stadium, Mukamba just took matters into his own hands, scoring the only goal of the match with his celebratory gestures looking to suggest to Mutasa that he was that very tool his storeroom lacked.
Mukamba is back into an almost same scenario, facing another club that discarded him as soon as he had helped them win promotion into the elite league last year.
The lanky midfielder is right at the centre of Dynamos’ audacious survival bid, having rejoined them in mid-term as part of the Glamour Boys’ move to save their sinking ship.
And he hasn’t disappointed, playing key roles as Dynamos stitch together huge wins in their last three league games.
This afternoon, he leads them into battle against his former paymasters Scottland who are flying in pursuit of what would be an historic championship on debut.
Mukamba knows he could have been part of the possible sweet story being brewed at Mabviravira.
And he is hoping to remind them of the gem they could be missing in their quest to conquer the league.
“Although I was a bit taken aback when I was released, Scottland is like home to me,” said Mukamba.
“The team president Pedzai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya is like a father figure to me, and the players are my brothers.
“But we will take all that aside when we play as we know we are not in a position where we can afford to slacken.
“We need a win and nothing else. We are here to save Dynamos from relegation. The match against Scottland will obviously be tough but we will throw in everything to win.”
Scottland have been phenomenal, picking crucial wins at every turn as they keep leaders and defending champions Simba Bhora under check.
Chief striker Tymon Machope, who is in a terrific scoring form said: “There is no secret at all. We have been training and playing hard, and it’s paying off. We hope to keep up the great performance.
Tymon Machope
“Even though they (Dynamos) are in the relegation zone, we shouldn’t underestimate them. They’re a strong team that know how to turn things around, and their recent winning streak makes this a tough match.
“We have been encouraging each other to stay focused. We will approach this game like any other, going in and fighting for a good result.”
There is however, no doubting that Mukamba will be as much on the spotlight as Machope and the rest of Scottland’s stars.
Earlier Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu acknowledged as much but insisted he was carefully managing how to make the most of Mukamba’s presence in a team laden with rookies.
Kaindu described the encounter as a high-stakes battle between pedigree and survival, promising fans a no-holds-barred spectacle at Rufaro this afternoon.
Facing an expensive ensemble, riding a on a seven-match winning streak that has yielded 21 points, Kaindu acknowledged the stark reality of the log standings.
Scottland are in second position and just a point behind Simba Bhora who have 53 and that tally is more than double what Dynamos have amassed (25).
“One team is fighting for the championship and the other is fighting to avoid relegation,” Kaindu told Zimpapers Sports Hub earlier.
“It makes it quite open. Nobody is going to play for a point.”
This admission sets the stage for a tactical firefight.
Kaindu dismissed any notion of settling for a draw, asserting his philosophy is to chase maximum points, not parcel them out in pre-game calculations.
“Football is played on the field.
“I’ve never picked points before I play. My wish is always for maximum points.”
While the Zambian gaffer said his squad is built on teamwork he noted Mukamba’s impact, as his potential game-changing weapon.
He revealed a calculated plan to unleash the DeMbare crowd-favourite at a precisely orchestrated moment. “He’s a darling to the crowd, there’s something that he just brings on board,” Kaindu said.
“The key is to know which time you must introduce him. It’s not just bringing him in, but the time that he comes in to make an impact.”
“Mukamba’s minutes have been carefully managed to build fitness, but his influence off the bench has never disappointed.”
The former Highlanders coach even expressed a hope to see the midfielder’s recent near-miss, a thunderous shot off the post, turn into a decisive goal against GreenFuel.
Another epic encounter is on the cards at Mandava this afternoon where FC Platinum will be hoping to stem their slump in form with victory over 2023 champions Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Elsewhere, Manica Diamonds, riding a five-game unbeaten streak, will look to capitalise on their momentum as they travel to face relegation-bound Kwekwe United tomorrow.
CAPS United will also be looking to continue with their glide to safety when they host ZPC Kariba at Rufaro tomorrow.
Ian Bakala’s men had their confidence levels boosted by their rare but important 1-0 win over FC Platinum at Mandava last weekend.
