DYNAMOS IN STUNNING CASTLE CUP WIN

Langton Nyakwenda

Dynamos ……………………… 1

Simba Bhora …………………… 1

(Dynamos won 5-3 on penalties)

Dynamos head coach Lloyd Chigowe emerged triumphant in his showdown with former assistant Joel Lupahla in a gripping contest between mentor and protege at a rain-soaked Rufaro Stadium yesterday.

The 5-3 penalty shootout win earned Chigowe his second piece of silverware after the Harare giants won the 2025 Castle Challenge Cup, having secured a berth in the final through their victory in the Chibuku Super Cup in November last year.

Dynamos’ triumph in that Chibuku Super Cup paved the way for their Castle Challenge Cup final appearance.

Despite a torrential downpour that saturated Rufaro, the tenacious side refused to be deterred, clawing back from behind to level the score and force the game into a dramatic penalty shootout.

In the end, the forgotten Dynamos junior product, Abel Gwatidzo, stepped up to convert the winning penalty, cementing a perfect return for DeMbare in the cup final.

Dynamos’ Temptation Chiwunga, Emmanuel Jalai, Donald Dzvinyai and Clive Mandivei all managed to hit the back of the net during the tense shootout.

On the opposing side, Simba Bhora’s Ismael Nyanhi suffered the misfortune of missing his penalty kick, after Blessing Moyo, Harrison Masina and Never Tigere had successfully converted for Shamva’s team.

Impressive centre-back Isheanesu Mauchi gave Simba Bhora the lead in the 47th minute before Dynamos new signing Mandivei equalised three minutes from time.

“It’s always good to start the season with a medal,” said Chigowe.

The veteran gaffer is optimistic the mentality of some of his new signings will improve.

He started three new signings — Blessing “MaBhule” Dziwo, Ghanaian striker Frank Agmeyang and Mandivei. Chigowe also threw in Brendan Jerimani and the exciting Enasio Perezo Junior in the second half.

“When you introduce youngsters and they make an impact, any coach will be proud of that,” he said.

“We need to improve going forward; we need to be very stable in terms of our ball retention.

“Obviously, we will add two or three experienced guys to the squad. Otherwise we are good to go.”

As usual, the lanky gaffer had one more nugget.

“When you play for Dynamos you must be made of steel,” he said. “It’s a good start for us, let’s hope we maintain the momentum throughout the season. I think the mentality will come right.”

Simba Bhora coach Lupahla was happy with what he saw from his boys.

Seven new players started for Go Buju Go and these were goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga, Trevor Mavhunga, Butholezwe Ncube, Blessed Ndereki, Emmanuel Ziocha, Donald Mudadi and Isakar Guribab.

“Penalties can go either way, and it’s unfortunate today it did not go our way,” Lupahla said. The youthful gaffer wants to build from this loss.

“The legs are still tired from the pre-season, of course. But with what we saw, we can build from this game going forward,” he said.

“I am grateful that we have played this game. This is going to prepare us going forward. I am taking pride from the players, knowing that in the next game, we are going to do better than today.”

Lupahla is already looking to the season opener against FC Platinum at Wadzanai Stadium next weekend.

“Congratulations to Dynamos, but like I said, I am very happy with what we are trying to build. We lost players, we brought in players and we are trying to gel and make sure we have a solid team,” he said.

Simba Bhora had their preseason camp in Polokwane, South Africa, but that did not show much yesterday, although it is still early days.

Lupahla also handed top striker William Manondo his debut and the former CAPS United striker could have marked his arrival with a goal, but referee Brighton Chimene ruled out his effort offside in the second half.

Teams

Dynamos: P. Tafiremutsa, E. Jalai, N. Chinyerere, C. Mandivei, D. Dzvinyai, S. Nyahwa (T. Pio 82nd), E. Chikona, B. Dziwo (A. Mandinyenya 52, A. Gwatidzo 94), F. Agmeyang (B. Jerimani 77), T. Chiwunga, V. Kadonzvo (E. Perezo Junior 77)

Simba Bhora: T. Mateyaunga, W. Tafa, I. Mauchi, T. Mavhunga, B. Moyo, I. Nyanhi, B. Ncube (L. Chakoroma 86), B. Ndereki, E. Ziocha (W. Manondo 65), D. Mudadi (N. Tigere 65), I. Guribab (J. Makunike 75)