Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHAT began as mere talk of relegation is now turning out to be an unpleasant possibility for ailing giants Dynamos and CAPS United.
The two teams, which have been part of the Premiership family since the pre-independence era, face the danger of getting demoted this season if they fail to turn around their struggles.
Grim prospects continued to build around the giants when they lost to their opponents at the weekend to remain trapped in the relegation zone after 13 rounds of play.
DeMbare, now win-less in their last nine games, suffered a 1-2 defeat at struggling former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars on Saturday.
CAPS United were hapless in their 1-3 defeat to defending champions Simba Bhora at Rufaro the following day.
Losing home and away has become the order of the day for the giants, who recently made changes to their technical teams.
Dynamos, who are now under the charge of Saul Chaminuka, remained third from the bottom with nine points from 13 games following the defeat to Ngezi Platinum Stars.
The Glamour Boys have managed only one win so far this season. They last won a match two months ago when they stunned Simba Bhora 1-0 at Rufaro.
Apart from that win, they have had a depressing run of six draws and six defeats, which has led to mutiny by sections of their supporters who want to boycott their home matches in protest.
CAPS United are just one rung above DeMbare on the log standings with 10 points. It is also not good by their standards, as they are deep in the relegation zone.
The defeat to Simba Bhora on Sunday was their seventh this season. Makepekepe have won only two games and drawn four.
While there are still about 21 games to play in the season, the talk of relegation is no longer a false alarm.
Three of the teams that were in their position at this stage of the campaign last season — Chegutu Pirates, Arenel and Hwange — were relegated despite having fared even better than the giants in terms of points.
After 13 games in 2024, Hwange sat at the bottom with nine points, followed by Arenel Movers on 10 and Chegutu Pirates on 11.
TelOne, who later staged a late comeback to survive the chop, completed the bottom four on 12 points.
DeMbare and CAPS United’s troubles appear to have stuck despite the recent changes to their technical teams. The 2014 Coach of the Year, Saul Chaminuka, is now in charge of Dynamos and he kicked off his tenure with a 1-1 draw against CAPS United before the defeat to Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Zambian Ian Bakala has been with the Green Machine for the last five weeks but was only in charge of three games. Victory has so far been elusive for the former CAPS United midfielder.
Bakala’s record includes two draws against Herentals and Dynamos and the defeat to Simba Bhora. He gave an assessment of his team following the home loss to Simba Bhora on Sunday. He believes his players are physically and mentally not geared up for the task.
“Looking at a lot of players, I think they are lacking fitness. At the moment, we are working on both fitness and tactics, which is a very difficult moment at this time. I expected the players to be fit at this moment, but working on both becomes difficult for the team.
“That’s why we find that at a certain time they collapse. They lose concentration because mentally they are not fit. So we just have to work again this coming week so that they come up with a mental strength and good shape,” said Bakala.
Former Dynamos captain Murape Murape, who won six titles with the club during its halcyon days, is apprehensive about the prospects of relegation.
The DeMbare legend expressed his fears in his Africa Day message.
Murape has been consistent in calling for an urgent need for reforms in the club’s administration to save the giants from sinking.
“On this Africa Day, I am compelled to speak out against the mismanagement and personalisation that have plagued Dynamos FC, a cultural institution and pride of our nation, now facing relegation.
“Dynamos FC is more than just a team, it’s a symbol of our rich heritage, a beacon of identity and a cornerstone of our community . . . ” he lamented.
“The club’s history is adorned with glorious moments, legendary players and unforgettable matches that have become an integral part of Zimbabwean sports achievements.
“Dynamos FC has been a source of joy, inspiration and national pride for generations of former players and fans alike. Getting rid of the executive without addressing the root causes of the problems won’t solve anything, we need fundamental reforms and systemic change.
“I urge those in control of Dynamos Private Limited to sell Dynamos Football Club to capable individuals or groups or return the club to its rightful owners, the community of former players, administrators, and supporters,” added Murape.
