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Bruce Chikuni Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS’ offensive unit has not inspired confidence so far in the off-season as the Harare giants seek to end their lengthy championship drought in the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.
On Saturday, Dynamos settled for a goalless draw against ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League side, MWOS FC in a pre-season game at Ngoni Stadium in Norton.
The friendly match laid bare the challenges that Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe faces ahead of a new season where he is in charge from the onset.
Last season Dynamos stumbled to a third-place finish and, at one time, stood a good chance to win the title but squandered points by failing to score goals consistently.
The game against MWOS suggested that Dynamos will struggle again this coming season unless something drastic happens upfront. Their Namibian import, Sadney Urikhob, does not seem to have what it takes to shoulder the team’s scoring burden.
It might be too soon to judge, but the early signs are not convincing.
MWOS held their own to restrict Dynamos from making any meaningful attack.
Dynamos were outstanding in the centre of the park where Donald Mudadi and Temptation Chiwunga displayed a masterstroke. Last season, Mudadi was the club’s joint top goal scorer with Elton Chikona after registering five times and also scored in their 1-0 win over GreenFuel in Chisumbanje last weekend. He was also on target last week when they humbled GreenFuel 0-1 in Chisumbanje. In the last two seasons, statistics have shown that for a team to win the Castle Lager Premiership, its striker should accumulate at least 12 goals.
And, in the period under review, no Dynamos striker has netted 11 goals.
DeMbare missed out on signing Bulawayo Chiefs forward, Obriel Chirinda, who could have been the man to end their misery.
The club also surrendered their chase on Yadah Stars’ Junior Zindoga, who was also expected at Dynamos by a section of their fans. Defensively, they seem to be excellent, especially when factoring in that they are still yet to be breached.
Mangombe said he was satisfied with the team’s performance.
“I’m pleased with the way the boys are playing; we are trying to play from the back while observing the zones we have on the field of play. “All those things are coming up, but we need to increase the intensity after losing possession.
“We need to work hard, and there is healthy competition in the team; everyone has to work hard for us to produce results,” said Mangombe.
His counterpart, Lloyd Mutasa was pleased with the outcome and expressed gratitude to a decent crowd that was in attendance. “The boys did try their best to match Dynamos in both ends of the match, which was very pleasing.
“We had our chances to win, but it just wasn’t the day. But overall, I’m happy with what I saw from the boys; they have also sent a message to our fans on what to expect this season.
“We still have areas where I think we can do better, and I’m also grateful to our fans who came in numbers to support us, it means a lot to have their full backing,” said Mutasa.
Online Reporter