Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
HOPE returned to Rufaro yesterday.
It took Aristică Cioabă just 45 minutes to give Dynamos supporters something they had almost forgotten — belief. On his Castle Lager Premier Soccer League debut, the Romanian watched his side storm into a three-goal lead by half-time before cruising to a commanding 4-0 victory over AGAMA.
After weeks of uncertainty both on and off the pitch, Dynamos finally looked like a team moving in the right direction.
For much of the season, DeMbare have struggled for consistency, identity and a meaningful connection with their supporters. While one match will not solve all their problems, Cioabă’s first game in charge provided a glimpse of what the future could hold, as Dynamos produced one of their most polished displays of the campaign in front of a lively Rufaro crowd.
Isaac Landu, Abel Gwatidzo and Frank Agyemang, who grabbed a brace, were the men on target, but the quality of the overall performance will have pleased the new coach just as much as the result.
From the first whistle, Dynamos played with purpose and intensity. They built patiently from the back, pressed aggressively when out of possession and attacked with a conviction that has often been lacking this season.
Their early dominance was rewarded in the 27th minute when Landu rose highest to head home from Gwatidzo’s inviting delivery following a well-worked short free-kick routine.
The opening goal injected confidence into the hosts and they never looked back.
Moments later, Gwatidzo doubled the advantage with a stunning long-range strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance before Agyemang completed another slick attacking move to put Dynamos firmly in control before the break.
Three goals in a devastating 10-minute spell reflected Dynamos’ superiority and left AGAMA with a mountain to climb.
The hosts continued to dictate proceedings after the interval. Although the intensity understandably dropped after a relentless first-half display, Dynamos remained firmly in command and restricted AGAMA to only occasional attacks.
Agyemang put the finishing touches on an impressive afternoon in the 88th minute when he converted from the penalty spot after AGAMA goalkeeper Wilson Brown brought him down inside the box.
The goal was the striker’s second of the afternoon and his 11th of the league campaign in 21 appearances, keeping him firmly in the race for the Golden Boot.
For Cioabă, however, the performance was every bit as important as the result.
“I am very happy with the team’s performance, especially in the first half. Everything went according to plan. Our plan was to play with speed, press high and put them under pressure. The goals came because the players executed that well.”
The Romanian admitted there is still work to be done as his players adapt to a new way of playing, particularly after their energy levels dipped in the second half.
“I don’t blame them because this is a new philosophy. It will take time for them to adjust. Give them about four weeks and everything will fall into place. I am happy we gave the fans something to celebrate and I am sure we will continue to do that.”
As supporters streamed out of Rufaro after the final whistle, there was a sense that something had changed.
One convincing victory will not define Dynamos’ season.
But on his first afternoon in charge, Cioabă gave the club’s long-suffering supporters something they have desperately craved for months — a reason to believe once again.
