tawandamusarurwa
Langton Nyakwenda
AFTER a hectic pre-season that saw them play four high-profile friendly matches, Dynamos will wrap up their preparations for the upcoming season with a week-long team-bonding session in Beitbridge.
The camp starts today, with another friendly match against Dulibadzimu United at Ronnie’s Sports Arena in the border town.
DeMbare are expected back in the capital next weekend, in time for the build-up to their opening league fixture against Premiership returnees Hwange at the Colliery on March 19.
Their coach, Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa, believes a camp in Beitbridge will help his boys to adjust.
The hot weather conditions in Hwange are almost similar to those experienced in Beitbridge.
“The trip is good for the team. We are preparing well, and we need to fine-tune the team ahead of the season opener,” Maruwa told The Sunday Mail Sport.
“It’s good for the team to bond because we need to know each other better.
“The weather conditions in Beitbridge will also help us adjust ahead of our first game against Hwange at the Colliery.
“Beitbridge is hot and Hwange is also very hot; so, in terms of weather, the boys can easily adapt in the border town because we are staying there for a few days.”
Maruwa has brought in a number of new faces at DeMbare since his appointment in December.
The new players include Soccer Star of the Year finalist Eli Ilunga, who joined from Black Rhinos; Tanaka “Kante” Shandirwa (Yadah); Donald Mudadi (Harare City); Tendai Matindife (Ngezi Platinum Stars); Nyasha Tito Chintuli (Manica Diamonds) and Arthur “Diego” Musiyiwa (Bulawayo Chiefs).
The Harare giants have also added the Moyo twins — Elvis and Kelvin — while crowd favourite Denver Mukamba is back at the Glamour Boys.
Keith Madera (Black Rhinos) and Emmanuel Ziocha (Harare City) are also now in the DeMbare fold.
“We have seen some positives, but, like I said, we need to make some touch-ups before the season commences,” said Maruwa.
Dynamos have played Mabvuku United, Sheasham, Cranborne Bullets and Black Rhinos in their preseason friendlies.
Shandirwa, a tireless and skilful central midfielder, has been impressive, and so has been Musiyiwa, whose deft touches and eye for a fine pass have charmed the Dynamos fans that have been watching the preseason matches.
The diminutive Musiyiwa is best remembered for scoring the solitary goal when Bulawayo Chiefs beat Herentals to clinch the 2022 Chibuku Super Cup at Barbourfields Stadium in November.
The Moyo twins have also settled at the back, where they are combining well with skipper Frank Makarati and Emmanuel Jalai.
Left-back Elvis Moyo scored the winner when Dynamos edged Black Rhinos 2-1 at Chinhoyi Stadium a fortnight ago.
DeMbare have an interesting opening round of league fixtures.
They play three of the four teams that were promoted to the Premiership at the end of last season. After playing Chipangano in Hwange, DeMbare will host Sheasham before dating Simba Bhora in what promises to be an explosive match.
Tonderai Ndiraya, who led Dynamos to third place last season, is now in charge of Simba Bhora, who have also lured ex-DeMbare chairperson Isaiah Mupfurutsa. Former Dynamos skipper Partson Jaure and Keith Murera have also found a home at Simba Bhora.
The Battle of Zimbabwe between Highlanders and Dynamos is in week five before the Harare Derby explodes a fortnight later.
Online Reporter