Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
DYNAMOS are likely to enjoy a massive backing when they play champions Simba Bhora in the Castle Challenge Cup at their traditional hunting ground Rufaro Stadium on Saturday but their coach Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe thinks the Shamva side has the advantage.
The veteran gaffer thinks new Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla has some key inside information on DeMbare which could work in his team’s favour.
Luphahla was Chigowe’s assistant last season.
He was appointed Simba Bhora coach in January and took with him data analyst Ashley Ndebele, who also worked at Dynamos last year.
Former Dynamos players Donald Mudadi and Emmanuel Ziocha are also now at Go Buju Go.
Simba Bhora are now a largely changed side from last season following the departure of a number of players including Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, Tymon Machope, Mtokhozisi Msebe, Tichaona Chipunza, Vassili Kawe and Talbert Shumba.
“This is a very tricky game in that we have very little information on the Simba Bhora squad.
“The fact that Luphahla has an insight into our system, having also taken the performance analyst with him to Shamva, gives them an advantage,” says Chigowe.
Apart from Mudadi and Ziocha, Dembare has lost a number of players including skipper Frank Makarati and the Moyo twins Kevin and Elvis.
Expatriates Frederick Ansa Botchway, Emmanuel Paga and Sadyney Urikhob have also left DeMbare.
However, Chigowe has remained steadfast.
He believes DeMbare has the ability to regenerate.
The Glamour Boys have roped in some new faces including Ghanaian striker Frank Agmeyang, tear away winger Leeroy Mavhunga and centre back Clive Mandivei.
The Harare giants have also been boosted by the return of new captain Emmanuel Jalai, who was training in South Africa since the beginning of the year.
Veteran players Temptation Chiwunga, Shadreck Nyahwa and Donald Dzvinyai are still on the Dynamos roster.
“We are building a team not only for this game but the rigours of a potentially explosive season.
“At Dynamos every game is demanding,” said Chigowe.
He also reminisced on the period he worked with Luphahla.
“It was a pleasure working with Joe, a hardworking, enterprising and enthusiastic coach.
“We became a cordial technical team in the short time we worked together,” revealed Chigowe.
The Challenge Cup, which features the league champions and winners of the Chibuku Super Cup, will raise the curtain for the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Not only will it be a taste of what to expect from both teams ahead of the looming season but the Challenge Cup presents the contestants with an opportunity to pocket US$30 000.
Dynamos and Simba Bhora have had contrasting situations in their preparations for the new season.
While Go Buju Go camped in Polokwane, DeMbare struggled to keep their players motivated as outstanding salary issues resurfaced.
Dynamos lost a number of players, including star players Donald Mudadi and Tanaka Shandirwa but the Harare giants could not find equally good replacements due to lack of funding.
Dynamos are hoping to seal a deal with a named financial company or renew their marriage with Sakunda Holdings.
Their opponents, Simba Bhora struck a lucrative US$500 000 deal with energy drink company Surge on Tuesday, the same day they captured 2023 Golden Boot winner William Manondo from CAPS United.
Manondo is the latest signing at Simba Bhora who have also brought in Never Tigere, Blessed Ndereki, Liberty Chakoroma and former CAPS United goalie Tonderai Mateyaunga.
Luphahla wants to win the Challenge Cup to settle any nerves ahead of what promises to be a hectic season for Simba Bhora.
The Shamva side will be out to defend their league championship title.
They will also represent Zimbabwe in the 2025/2026 African Champions League.
