Chronicle Editor
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS have entered a new phase without the usual protagonists but the domestic football giants’ soul never seems to be leaving.
The Glamour Boys were left a hugely shaken lot in the initial stages of the ongoing transfer season after losing more than seven key players from last term.
Coach Lloyd “Ma Blanyo” Chigowe has, however, been keeping a brave face amid all the storm insisting Dynamos are not completely in the forest.
Despite all the assurances, Dynamos still looked like lambs being driven to the slaughter when they trooped in to face league champions Simba Bhora in the season-opening Castle Challenge Cup at
Rufaro on Saturday.
The Chibuku Super Cup champions did have some of the players from last season in the starting line-up, which they are never familiar with given they were down the pecking order, when those who left were still at the club.
Practically, that means the Glamour Boys had much more than the three new faces of Clive Mandivei, Frank Agyemang and Blessing Dziwo when top referee Brighton Chimene blew his whistle to kick-off the match.
Simba Bhora, who recently returned from a two-week pre-season camp in Polokwane, South Africa were the overwhelming favourites to clinch the trophy.
They even took the lead when Isheanesu Mauchi headed in Ishmael Nyanhi’s corner two minutes into the season half and looked to be in firm control of the ship.
But Chigowe brought the body of evidence to prove that Dynamos are never completely under rubble.
His new brooms engaged the second gear and accelerated.
Mandivei, who joined from Yadah Stars as a direct replacement of former captain Frank Makarati showed he is up to something big, partnering Donald Dzvinyai at the heart of defence and making some telling forward forays through the centre.
And in one of those adventures, Mandivei got the equaliser for DeMbare.
Alongside other new guns Abel Gwatidzo, Brendon Jerimani, the silky Enasio Perezo (Jnr) and
Dziwo, the ex-Yadah skipper never put a foot wrong and he was also one of the scorers from the penalty spot as Dynamos eventually won the tie 5-3 on the lottery.
“I think it’s a good start for me. I was praying for the game to go our way and I couldn’t ask for more especially after I got my name on the scoreboard,” Mandivei said.
“I am definitely thrilled after scoring and also converting one of the kicks before this huge crowd which rooted for us throughout the afternoon, even braving the soaking rains that poured for the rest of the match’s extra time.
“Dynamos is a big team and we have always been told this by coach Ma Blanyo. The philosophy is sinking in and we are developing big hearts to correspond well with the status of the club we are playing for, as new players.”
Agyemang said he was shocked to see a lot of people attending the fixture despite the ominous threat of rain.
Although he didn’t score, the 23-year-old Ghanaian displayed some glimpses of what he can do with and without the ball.
“The atmosphere was so encouraging. I am feeling loved after my debut with Dynamos. The fans are amazing and you ought to leave everything on the pitch for them,” said Agyemang.
“I was just used to being told that Dynamos have a lot of lovely fans who always fill the stadium. I saw it with my eyes and told myself that I had to play well to win their hearts.
“I am disappointed I didn’t score but at the end of the day, I was happy the team won and I also played decently well.
“I am optimistic that going forward, I should be able to improve and make everyone at Dynamos happy. But for now, I should say I am excited to start the year with a medal round my neck.”
Gwatidzo has previously played for Dynamos as a junior but decided to leave the game in 2017 as he got employed by a leading dairy company in the country.
He only got back to professional football after he was identified by Northern Region Soccer League side Golden Eagles’ directors Barry Manandi and Mike Madoda, while playing social soccer.
They promptly signed him to their team from where he was lured by Chigowe.
The left-footer had a good cameo but surprised many when he was given the responsibility to take the decisive penalty for Dynamos.
“I knew I would score. We practiced the kicks on the eve of the game and I was always taking the last penalty. The crowd was huge but I didn’t want to pay much attention to that,” said Gwatidzo.
“I would like to thank the Golden Eagles directors for bringing me back to the game. I am ready to showcase myself and help Dynamos achieve set targets for this year.”
Perezo, son of former Dynamos winger Enasio dazzled for the majority of the duration he was on the pitch.
“I am happy to have been given a run for the Glamour Boys. I am working hard to keep the momentum and also try to improve from this performance,” said Perezo.
“I loved the crowd and they also showed their appreciation. I am keen to help the team. I am confident the team will do well in the upcoming season.”
Chigowe took time to praise the new brooms saying they have the potential to even do more once they settle at the team.
Online Reporter