Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS have rebuilt belief; now they have to prove it lasts.
The Harare giants return to Rufaro this afternoon chasing a third straight win, and more importantly, looking to protect an unbeaten start that has quietly pushed them into second place after six rounds of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Genesis Mangombe’s side has 14 points and, for the first time in a while, carries both form and expectation into a big fixture.
The visit by FC Platinum will test whether this revival is real or not.
“FC Platinum are not a small team and when we play them on any day, we should know that they will give us a very tough challenge,” said Mangombe. Coming from consecutive wins, we are aiming to collect maximum points once again and maintain this streak.
“Our preparations are going on well. We have a clean bill of health and the boys are buoyant and self-motivated. They are out for points.”
There is a different feel around Dynamos this season.
Results have come, but just as important, the connection with the fans has returned.
Rufaro is starting to believe again, and a big crowd is expected to back a side that has shown discipline, organisation and growing confidence.
Goals, often a problem in recent years, are beginning to come from multiple sources.
Jairos Kasondo has set the early pace with four goals, placing him among the league’s leading scorers alongside Khama Billiat, Ralph Kawondera and Marvellous Mukumba.
Frank Agyemang has added three, while Mangombe has options across the front line, from Witness Shave to Stanley Billiat, Moses Demera and the in-form Perfect Chikwende.
For a club that has struggled to produce a Golden Boot contender in recent seasons, that spread of goals could be the difference.
Still, Mangombe is wary of what momentum can do if not managed properly.
“You know the challenge that can also come with winning is the tendency by players to relax and think they are already safe,” he said.
“This is what we want to guard against, so while we focus on tactical aspects of the game, we also need to ensure that psychologically we are at our best.”
If Dynamos arrive with confidence, FC Platinum come with a point to prove.
The Zvishavane side sits sixth and has blown hot and cold so far. However, history gives them an edge in this fixture.
They have beaten Dynamos 10 times, compared to eight wins for the Harare side, and their meetings have often been tight, tactical battles.
Both teams are built on structure and defensive discipline, which usually turns this contest into a game of fine margins.
Joel Luphahla’s side, though, has been forced into adjustments.
Speedy forward Jarrison Selemani is unavailable after picking up a knock on national duty, leaving a gap in their attacking approach.
That could tilt the balance slightly.
Dynamos, with a full squad available and multiple attacking options, look better equipped to stretch the game if chances come.
“We have a lot of options from which we are still building more combinations,” said Mangombe.
“It is work in progress, but everything is going according to plan. In fact, it is now a headache for the technical team to decide which players make it into the team and who do not.
“Everyone is putting maximum effort and I am satisfied and confident that maximum points can be a reality today if we play our cards right.”
This is more than just another league match.
It is a measure of progress for Dynamos and a chance for FC Platinum to steady their season.
Two young coaches, two organised sides and very little to separate them.
The difference will come down to who handles the moment better.
