Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Harare Bureau
Dynamos 1-1 Simba Bhora
(Dynamos won 5-3 on penalties)
IN the end, Dynamos coach Lloyd Chigowe stood tall on a rain-soaked Rufaro Stadium pitch, as he got the better of his former assistant, Joel Luphahla, in this cagey master versus student affair.
Chigowe clinched his second piece of silverware after Dynamos edged league champions Simba Bhora 5-3 after a penalty shootout, to win the 2025 Castle Challenge Cup yesterday.
DeMbare earned the right to play in this Cup final after winning the Chibuku Super Cup in November last year.
The rains pounded Rufaro yesterday, but that did not stop Dynamos from staging yet another smash-and-grab act, coming from behind to force a draw, before winning the game in the lottery.
After the match had ended 1-1 after extra time, forgotten Dynamos junior product Abel Gwatidzo scored the winning penalty, to complete a 100 percent return for DeMbare.
Temptation Chiwunga, Emmanuel Jalai, Donald Dzvinyai and Clive Mandivei found the target for Dynamos.
Ishmael Nyanhi was the fall guy as he missed for Simba Bhora, after Blessing Moyo, Harrison Masina and Never Tigere had scored for the Shamva side.
Impressive centre back, Isheanesu Mauchi gave Simba Bhora the lead in the 47th minute before new signing Mandivei equalised three minutes from the time.
Mandivei also scored in the penalty shootout.
“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 should be proud of that.
“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,” said Chigowe.
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,” added Chigowe.
Simba Bhora coach, Luphahla, was happy with what he saw from his boys.
Seven new players started for Go Buju Go.
Goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga, Trevor Mavhunga, Butholezwe Ncube, Blessed Ndereki, Emmanuel Ziocha, Donald Mudadi and Isakar Guribab started for Simba Bhora.
“Penalties can go either way and it’s unfortunate today it did not go our way,” Luphahla said.
The youthful gaffer wants to build from this loss.
“The legs are still tired from the preseason of course. But, with what we saw, we can build from this game going forward.
“I am grateful that we have played this game. This is going to prepare us going forward.
“I am taking pride from players, knowing that in the next game, we are going to do better than today.”
Luphahla is already looking to their season opener against FC Platinum at Wadzanai 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.”
Simba Bhora had their preseason camp in Polokwane, South Africa but that didn’t show much yesterday, although it’s still early days.
Luphahla also handed top striker William Manondo his debut and the former CAPS United could have marked his arrival with a goal, but referee Brighton Chimene ruled out his effort for 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).
