Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS travel to Gibbo Stadium this afternoon with a monumental objective: to successfully defend the Chibuku Super Cup and become the first club in the competition’s history to lift the coveted trophy three times in succession.
This 2025 final, which dramatically caps a tumultuous season, is far more than a simple cup tie. It is a clash defined by the weight of history, the intense hunger of two teams that narrowly escaped relegation, and the uneasy tension surrounding the Glamour Boys camp.
Facing them are Triangle United, buoyed by roaring Lowveld home support and aiming to reclaim the crown they last won in 2018. For Triangle, the Cup represents redemption and pride; for Dynamos, it is about preserving a dynasty under threat.
Dynamos’ path to the final has been anything but smooth. A damaging player strike earlier in the week severely disrupted preparations, only resolved after senior players met with club officials for what was described as a “chit chat” of promises and assurances. Despite the truce, tensions linger, with reports suggesting junior players suspect their seniors were secretly paid — an accusation that has cast a shadow over the camp.
Adding to the turmoil, Dynamos will be without two key players. Denver Mukamba and Wisdom Mutasa are unavailable for selection. Coach Kelvin Kaindu admitted Mukamba’s absence is a painful blow.
“He is not in training for reasons that I cannot share, but it would have been important to have him around because he is the crowd’s favourite,” Kaindu said. He emphasised Mukamba’s psychological value: “Whether he gets game time or not, his presence on the team just has a huge impact and I would want him to be present on any day but well.”
Mutasa, meanwhile, is away on Caf D coaching classes.
In the face of chaos, Kaindu insists his squad remains focused and ready.
“Our preparations for the match are progressing well. We have no injuries or suspensions, except for Mukamba and Wisdom, who remain unavailable for selection. We are under no pressure; we are hopeful and confident given our current unbeaten run,” he said.
The coach maintained a strict silence on the recent industrial action: “I cannot comment on administrative matters.”
He pointed to their progress as the driving force behind their confidence.
“For a club of Dynamos’ stature, simply avoiding relegation is not considered an achievement, but the progress we have made this season is something many never thought possible. Football is unpredictable.”
Kaindu also acknowledged his respect for their opponents.
“I have great respect for Triangle. I worked with them successfully, helping the team avoid relegation and perform well the following season. But for now, my focus is entirely on my role as the Dynamos coach.”
Dynamos must also confront the stark reality that they have not beaten Triangle at Gibbo Stadium since 2021, and the Sugar Sugar Boys have grown increasingly formidable on home turf. The most compelling twist in this final, however, lies in the dugout: Triangle are coached by Genesis Mangombe, the very man who successfully guided the Dynamos squad now chasing history to their Chibuku triumphs in 2023.
Mangombe’s tactical fingerprints remain all over the current DeMbare side, and his game plan today is aimed squarely at their undoing.
“We are well prepared for this team. You know when you play a cup game you have to do everything so that at the end of the day you won’t cry if you miss some of the things,” Mangombe said.
He emphasised the motivation drawn from their dramatic league survival.
“We are doing our best and we have to try and see our shortfalls and address them at training. We are happy that we survived relegation and we are motivated and have that drive to win this game. At the end of the day we want to win at home. I have won the competition before with Dynamos, now I am with Triangle and eyes will be on me and with that experience I think it will help us clinch the cup. Being a former coach I also know some of the players and their capabilities.”
Triangle’s season-long battle for survival has hardened the team. Their dedicated fans endured every tense minute of the relegation struggle, and today’s final at home feels like a profound opportunity for redemption and glory in the Lowveld. For Dynamos, however, the focus remains singular: achieving Chibuku Super Cup immortality.
Sidumisile Mabena