Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS’ heartbreaking defeat to bitter rivals CAPS United in Sunday’s big Harare Derby at Rufaro Stadium has been rewarded financially on two fronts and players will be getting around US$1500 each for losing.
An injury-time penalty from Kudzai Chigwida sealed a 2-1 win for CAPS United in what was easily the pick of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League MatchDay 11 programme and the Makepekepe fans mocked Dynamos’ failure to secure a bus from Harare businessman, Wicknell Chivayo.
Chivayo had pledged to give Dynamos a brand-new bus if they won the Harare Derby and, with the defeat, they became laughingstock on the green half of the capital.
However, things took a dramatic turn yesterday as Chivayo responded to derogatory chants from a section of the CAPS United supporters by committing to giving Dynamos the bus and a further US$50 000 cash for the players for their display in the defeat.
That means the Dynamos players are guaranteed around US$1 500 per player for losing the Harare Derby.
The pledge to give Dynamos a brand new bus followed a live radio request from a fan during Chivayo’s interview on Capitalk FM. “I will still proceed with purchasing a brand new 65-seater bus for Dynamos. In addition, I will also give the players US$50,000 for trying hard as motivation and encouragement,” Sir Wicknell said.
“I appreciated the overwhelming love shown by the Dynamos supporters. More importantly, most of close relatives and friends are passionate Dynamos supporters, and for me this matter goes beyond football.
“Dynamos is a household name and part of Zimbabwe’s football history. I therefore refuse to reduce myself into someone who only stands by his word when circumstances are favourable.
“Football must unite us and inspire healthy competition rather than hatred and division. At the end of the day, this was never about proving a point to anyone. It was about honouring my word and appreciating genuine supporters who showed me overwhelming love and respect.” The match attracted 25 000 paying fans according to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, with hosts Dynamos grossing over US$125,000.
The windfall will go a long way to easing pressure on the Dynamos coffers. Meanwhile, CAPS United forward Junior Malcolm Banisi came off the bench to inspire his side to a dramatic last-minute victory.
With just two touches, first setting up Obriel Chirinda, whose shot nearly found the net, and then forcing Dynamos defender Christopher Netty into handling under pressure, Banisi had done the damage.
For Banisi, making his debut for the club in the derby, the victory carried personal significance.
His mother, Privilege, had texted him on the morning of the match asking for a winning goal or at least an assist as a Mother’s Day present.
“I told him it was not by mistake that he was in the matchday squad for the first time,” she said.
Banisi said he was working for his dream, to break barriers and reach the biggest stage of international football. Because of that, Dynamos couldn’t be spared from his wrath .
