Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS skipper Emmanuel Jalai, says winning the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League October Player of the Month award is special, but survival remains his only focus.
The 26-year-old defender has been central to DeMbare’s remarkable turnaround, helping drag the fallen giants away from the drop zone with a nine-match unbeaten streak.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me,” he told Zimpapers Sports Hub. “It’s a huge honour to receive this award and thanks to my teammates for helping me become the player and person I am today. It’s all about hard work and self-belief.
“But there’s still more work to be done. We just have to push as a team until the last game. Credit to the boys for what they have done so far.”
Jalai’s cool penalty in the 1-0 win over Bikita Minerals at Rufaro on Sunday lifted DeMbare out of danger and into a position of safety, as rivals Triangle and GreenFuel both stumbled.
Now two points clear of the relegation line with two games left, Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu insists their fate remains firmly in their own hands.
“We said we are not going to use calculators to avoid relegation,” said Kaindu. “We want to win our own games, and that’s what we’ve done. Hopefully, we maintain our unbeaten record. Even on days we don’t play our best, we’ve found ways to get results.”
Kaindu’s arrival two months ago has sparked a revival few expected.
DeMbare have gone nine games unbeaten across league and cup matches and are finally showing the fight worthy of their badge.
“I think the objective was to survive relegation, and we’re quite hopeful. We’re heading somewhere, still two games to go,” said Kaindu. “Only one team has been confirmed relegated. We’ll wait for the final whistle of the season.”
The Glamour Boys face Yadah at Ngoni Stadium on Saturday before wrapping up against FC Platinum at Rufaro. With 10 teams still tangled in the relegation battle, the Premier Soccer League has ordered all fixtures to be played simultaneously this weekend.
Dynamos’ run, six wins and three draws, has renewed belief among fans and players alike.
“Like I said, we don’t want to depend on phone calls to see how other teams played,” Kaindu added.
“If we can stay unbeaten, it will build confidence going into the final match day.”
Kaindu also paid tribute to his predecessors and the players’ resilience.
“The coaches before me came in difficult times when results weren’t coming. We haven’t changed much, maybe just the language and confidence. Dynamos is a big brand. We shouldn’t be fighting relegation.
“We’ve told ourselves we won’t celebrate surviving. Our objective is to challenge for the championship. I probably came at the right time, but it’s not about me, it’s about trusting the project and the support from our fans.”
Saturday Fixtures:
ZPC Kariba v TelOne (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v Herentals (Mandava), Yadah v Dynamos (Ngoni), Bikita Minerals v Simba Bhora (Sakubva), Highlanders v Manica Diamonds (Barbourfields), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Chicken Inn (Baobab), CAPS United v MWOS (Rufaro), Triangle v Kwekwe United (Gibbo), Scottland v GreenFuel (Wadzanayi).
