admin
Rufaro was the theatre once again where the irresistible Mukamba juggled the magical wand and the showmanship yesterday as he powered Dynamos to a deserved victory that swept them within just three points behind leaders Highlanders.
Mukamba scored both goals, beautiful ones for good measure, and ran the show with a sublime performance that fittingly received a standing ovation from the fans.
There is something special that is being built by coach Callisto Pasuwa and at its heart is Mukamba with Cliff Sekete, Tichaona Mabvura and Farai Mupasiri providing the supporting act.
And you get to feel they have an edge in this championship race, which is too close to predict, and if they continue playing as well as this at Rufaro, where they still have a date with Bosso, the battle is theirs to lose.
Dynamos now await the verdict of the Appeals Committee which will convene today to deliberate on their match against Hwange.
The crucial goals which came in the 31st minute and 74th minute saw the lanky midfielder take his tally to six goals to become the current club’s leading goal scorer with six goals.
Departed striker Takesure Chinyama leads the club’s charts with eight goals.
And the victory also saw the Harare Giants continue to enjoy dominance over their rivals whom they have beaten in 360 minutes of league action since promotion into the top flight league last year.
Furthermore, the defeat dealt another blow to the Zvishavane side which were hammered 3-0 by Monomotapa at home last weekend and appear to have become a clueless lot following the sacking of coach Rahman Gumbo.
FC Platinum also finished the match with 10 men following the expulsion of defender Rafael Muduvira in the 83rd minute. The defender elbowed Martin Vengesayi in an off the ball incident and referee Pedzisai Chadya gave him marching orders.
And the trend continued as last weekend FC Platinum skipper Zephaniah Ngodzo was red carded in defeat against Monomotapa.
The Warriors midfielder, Mukamba, who also provided a goal in the reverse tie at Mandava, says his life has been made easy with the coming in of the youthful trio of Mupasiri, Sekete and Mabvura at the club.
“It becomes easy to play and do well when you are playing with good players. The coming in of these young players has really helped me and I am enjoying my football.
“I am happy with my form but I know I have to continue working hard and keep focused if we have to win this league. This game is now over and we are already focusing on the Gunners match,” said Mukamba.
The hosts, began the match with a high tempo and within half an hour they were rewarded when in a quick counter attack, striker Martin Vengesayi who came in for suspended Roderick Mutuma, saw his effort being blocked and Mukamba intercepted the ball and blasted into the nets.
DeMbare could have increased their lead when Vengesayi’s shot slightly missed the target while Mukamba’s cross after roasting the defenders on the flank with his dribbling found no takers in the box.
The visitors also had the chance to level terms in the first period when Muduvira’s effort went over the bar with a jittery goalkeeper George Chigova beaten.
After the restart, Chigova who has been a revelation since filling in Washington Arubi’ shoes, also had trouble in dealing with Benjamin Marere’s ball as DeMbare were briefly under siege from FC Platinum who had returned a strong side.
FC Platinum winger Ali Sadiki also sprayed one or two good crosses but Dynamos survived the raids.
However, it was Dynamos substitute striker Mabvura who could have scored another goal when he received a perfect split pass from Sekete.
The former Gunners player, who started in the place of suspended midfielder Tawanda Mparati, was having a dream game in the middle of the park and a marvel to watch whenever in possession.
In the 74th minute Mukamba found possession outside the box and drove home mounting woes for FC Platinum coach Tendai Chikuni’s charges.
Chikuni said it was always going to be difficult to beat Dynamos and gave credit to his players for an improved performance compared to the Monomotapa match.
Dynamos assistant coach Tonderayi Ndiraya hailed his players.
Teams
Dynamos: G. Chigova, T. Magorimbo, G. Zhokinyi, P. Jaure, O. Mushure, D. Chafa, D. Mukamba, M. Murape (T. Mabvura 58th minute), C. Sekete, M. Vengesayi (D. Kabwe 88th minute), F. Mupasiri.
FC Platinum: F. Tizai, D. Veremu, Q. Amini, T. Kamusoko, R. Muduvira, C. Kamhapa, H. Mavundi, A. Sadiki, B. Marere, W. Manondo (J. Ngodzo 60th minute), D. Ngoma (M. Katsvairo 72nd minute).
Online Reporter