Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
DENVER MUKAMBA has said the dual responsibility to both perform and lead the youngsters at Dynamos in this delicate phase of the Harare giants 2025 season has made him more mature than ever before.
The 32-year-old midfielder has played key roles on and off the pitch in easing pressure on the Glamour Boys who for most of the opening half of the season remained marooned in relegation zone.
They aren’t entirely safe at the moment but they at least have their fate in their hands going into the last four games of the season.
Since Mukamba’s return into the DeMbare fold that coincided with the appointment of Zambian gaffer Kelvin Kaindu three months ago Dynamos haven’t lost a match, posting huge results against teams like title-challengers MWOS and Scottland and old city rivals CAPS United.
But the Harare giants’ resolve will be put to test when they face Highlanders at Barbourfields tomorrow.
That could be the biggest test for Kaindu’s men since he replaced Saul Chaminuka.
Tomorrow’s Battle of Zimbabwe showdown marks the first time Kaindu will be returning to Barbourfields since his ouster.
But it is Mukamba’s leadership and technical qualities that could as well determine the outcome of this duel, whose impact in the relegation matrix will be profound.
It is the first time that these storied clubs are meeting with prize being that of saving their Premiership statuses.
And Mukamba knows just how his presence both on and off the Barbourfields turf will come into play.
He has scored and assisted so many times in several Battle of Zimbabwe fixtures during his two separate stints with Dynamos and no player from either side can raise their hands before he does when it comes to telling this story.
“First of all let me say the Battle of Zimbabwe is still as big as it used to be. Fans should come and enjoy the game as they have always done before.
“The changed circumstances for both teams have actually made the match even more appealing. I am not saying Dynamos and Highlanders should punch below weight so that when they meet things are upside down for both.
“But this is the situation both teams find themselves in. These aren’t jokes. As Dynamos, we have always said this; we want to survive and that means always playing well and delivering the desired results like what we have been doing all along.
“The Highlanders match is a bit different but the approach and attitude should remain the same. That way, we will have a good chance to win the match,’’ Mukamba said.
Mukamba is seen as both a club legend and a leader by the current Dynamos generation, two roles that the 2012 Castle Soccer Star of the Year says should see the team survive the chop.
“I don’t take all this for granted. I am glad the youngsters are keen to learn from someone like me. That has added a lot to the speed at which I have matured since re-joining Dynamos.
“I am glad coach Kelvin Kaindu always wants to see me playing a leading role either during games or training sessions.
“That has enabled me to also impart some philosophies that identify with Dynamos to these youngsters and you can see by the speed at which they are increasingly becoming fighters.
“We have gone for so many games including those which appeared to be obvious defeats for us, without losing.
“We have now a group of fighters who are keen to give their all for the badge. That is exactly what we always talk about.”
On his part, Kaindu, is not very sure of the kind of reception he will get when he steps on the Barbourfields turf, barking instructions for Highlanders’ biggest rivals.
But he is sure about the leadership qualities that Mukamba provides will be some of the key elements to unlock his former club.
Peter Tanyanyiwa