History shows Dynamos are sinking

Out of 7 clubs that managed 15 or less points after 17 games in the last 3 years, only one survived relegation

Zimpapers Sports Hub

REALITY is Dynamos will be relegated by the end of the season if they do not start collecting maximum points, considering their precarious position after yesterday’s matchday 17.

After the goalless draw with ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga yesterday, the struggling giants remain second from the bottom with 15 points from 17 games.

It did not matter Dynamos had Saul Chaminuka, a former ZPC Kariba coach, leading them in search of three points. They still produced a similar script, their ninth draw of the season. And their 29,4 percent success rate so far inspires little confidence.

For the record, since the 2021/2022 season, out of seven teams that collected 15 points or below, after 17 games, only one (ZPC Kariba) managed to survive the chop. Last year, Hwange on 12 points and Arenel Movers on 11 points after 17 games were eventually relegated.

In 2023, Cranborne Bullets on 13 points and Black Rhinos on 12, after the same number of games, were also relegated by the end of the season.

In the 2021/1922, Bulawayo on 12 and Whawha on 12 were also shown the door.

Only ZPC Kariba on 15 points that same year after 17 games, and third from the bottom, eventually survived the chop. Those are the facts that could help Dynamos understand their current position.

Yadah add to Manica Diamonds woes

In other matches played in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League yesterday, at Heart Stadium, Veronica Gwaze reports that Yadah found just enough to add to Manica Diamonds’ growing list of problems.

Francis Mustafa’s deflected free-kick early in the second half was all it took to separate the sides, handing Yadah a 1-0 win and condemning Manica to a third straight defeat.

The result further exposes the cracks at Manica Diamonds, who are still trying to steady the ship after sidelining head coach Jairos Tapera last week.

Yadah coach Takaendesa Jongwe said: “This was a tough game. We struggled in parts of the first half, and fortunately for us, Manica didn’t punish us.

“We needed this win badly. We’re in a difficult position on the table, so these points are massive. I’m happy with the way the boys responded.”

For Manica, the frustration continues.

“We came here looking to bounce back after two defeats. We had to win, but things didn’t go our way,” said coach Tafadzwa Mashiri. “Yes, we were not clinical, but we created a lot of chances, and that’s something to build on.”

Herentals goal drought continues

At Bata Stadium yesterday, our reporter Onward Gangata witnessed Herentals’ fifth straight draw.

The goalless draw away to TelOne stretched the Students’ goal drought to 450 minutes, a concerning trend that does not seem to rattle coach Celestino Benza.

Since their 1-0 win over Highlanders on Africa Day, Herentals have stuttered in front of goal, drawing three in a row and losing the two before that.

Yet, despite their wastefulness, especially in the first half of this Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash, Benza is keeping calm.

“It was a good game of football, we played well, and I think it was a good performance although we missed that penalty,” he said. “Sometimes things do not go our way. Getting a point is better than losing. We hope that we are going to start converting and start winning games. For us, we are not worried.”

For TelOne, this was a chance lost to close the gap at the top. Coach Herbert Maruwa said: “Games are not easy at this stage of the season. Teams are playing for a reason, some for the championship, others to survive relegation, but I’m happy we managed to get a point.”

Gamecocks left fuming after late penalty drama

A 10th-minute free kick by Pascal Shumbaimwe was all Bikita Minerals needed to secure a gritty 1-0 win over a wasteful Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Gibbo yesterday. The result keeps Bikita’s unbeaten home run intact since switching their base to Gibbo and adds more misery to Chicken Inn’s faltering season. But the real talking point came at the death, when referee Mecy Mayimbo waved away strong penalty appeals from the Gamecocks, sparking a furious post-match outburst from their coach, Joey Antipas.

As Chicken Inn threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser, Bikita defended with everything, even parking 10 men behind the ball.

But the big moment came right at the end, when Chicken Inn thought they had earned a penalty.

“On the 90th minute, we were denied a clear penalty. The referee decided to blow the final whistle instead. It’s disappointing. Our referees need to improve. Football in this country won’t grow with this kind of officiating. Let the better team win. Don’t favour sides. That was blatant favouring,” fumed Antipas.

Bikita Minerals coach Wilson Mutekede said: “We’re happy to collect maximum points at home. We’re still unbeaten here at Gibbo. The boys are now used to the pitch and we’re able to control games and play our way.”

Thando Ngwenya waves goobye, in style

At Mandava, Thando Ngwenya could have waved goodbye in style when he gave FC Platinum the lead, only for Isheanesu Mauchi to equalise for Simba Bhora.

Ngwenya is expected to join South African side Amazulu after a good run in the Castle Lager Premiership that made him one of the best.

For Simba Bhora, that result means they are still on top of the log with 36 points, but that could all change if MWOS win their match against Highlanders at Babourfields today. The result did not help FC Platinum much. At 26 points, they remain 10 points behind the log leaders.

Ngezi Platinum, the biggest beneficiaries

The results from yesterday’s matches meant that Ngezi Platinum are the biggest beneficiaries after their 5-2 win over struggling Kwekwe United.

Now at 28 points, they have cut Simba Bhora’s lead to 8 points. TelOne’s draw with Herentals also means they remain within reach. Coach Takesure Chiragwi will be keeping his fingers crossed that MWOS drop points against Highlanders at Babourfields today. After a great start to the season, which saw Chiragwi being coach of month at one stage, the former champions lost form and were in danger of dropping further into the murky waters.

The last few games have changed the picture for Chiragwi, and 8 goals scored in their last two matches show their seriousness in getting back their campaign on track.