Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 (1)
CAPS Utd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 (1)
IN the end it was not a bad crowd at Rufaro for the Harare Derby yesterday despite the boycott calls in the match build-up.
But Dynamos will still count the losses, given some fans decided to stay away from the match and were gathered in Highfield.
And if the side show does not trigger a rethink by the Dynamos leadership on how they can bring their family together for the better, nothing will.
That, however, did little to take the gloss off the Harare derby.
CAPS United midfielder Kundai Benyu took the stage and put his name on the score-sheet in grand style when he riffled home a stunning shot that eventually decided the final result of the derby.
Benyu struck the ball from outside the penalty box with a combination of venom and precision, tucking it into the top corner of Prince Tafiremutsa’s goal for the equaliser.
DeMbare had taken the lead from the penalty spot through their captain Emmanuel Jalai just moments after the restart.
But the equaliser from Benyu was a goal fit for the stage, reminiscent of almost a similar strike by Ngezi Platinum Stars winger Ashwin Karengesha recently.
There have been fantastic goals at Rufaro this year, with FC Platinum’s Junior Selemani and Michael Tapera of Scottland also scoring goal-of-the-season contenders here.
Benyu added to the beautiful story with the goal coming almost as a reward for his industry yesterday after dominating the smaller Dynamos players in the midfield duels.
CAPS United coach Ian Bakala was excited by the lanky midfielder’s quick thinking and brilliant execution in that position.
Fans at the ‘Vietnam Stand’ during the first half of the match between Dynamos and CAPS United at Rufaro yesterday.
“I think for him, yes, his quality is good. For him to score like that, we did training in those zones. So, that game we played (against Herentals last week), there were chances where he could have shot.
“But today, he did the right thing. He remembered that, I think, here, I just have to do this, which is good,” said Bakala.
“It’s a positive thing. But it counts also to the whole team. For him to do that, it’s not him alone, I think, it’s everyone, which is good for us.
“I’m happy for him. He has scored. I’ve never seen him shoot. Only in training, I think, those two days, I saw him. But today, he did it, which is a positive thing,” said Bakala.
At the end, the Harare Derby provided the elements of the much-needed spark despite the negativity that hogged the match build-up.
The game was played under the shadow of a planned boycott by sections of Dynamos supporters who are unhappy with the way their club is operating.
Instead, they opted to welcome new coach Saul Chaminuka.
Chaminuka also bought a few changes, starting with defender Raymond Uchena, who many questioned why he was never given an opportunity by the previous coach when DeMbare were struggling in that department.
Brandon Jerimani also acquitted himself well in the central midfield position, where he was backed by Tellmore Pio and Vusa Ngwenya.
But with clear-cut chances few and far between, Dynamos were awarded a penalty following a hand-ball in the crowded penalty box from a corner kick taken by Leeroy Mavhunga on the right flank.
Jalai converted from the penalty spot to give the Glamour Boys the lead on the 54th minute, leaving goalkeeper Stephen Odai Kwaku rooted on the line.
But the derby was not done and dusted. Benyu, who played with a swagger, capped the day with a beautiful strike from the edge of the box moments later.
CAPS United captain Phineas Bamusi almost caught the Glamour Boys by surprise towards the end of the encounter with a quick half volley, which Tafiremutsa blocked with his fist.
Dynamos coach Saul Chaminuka was content with the result.
“I think it was a good game,” said Chaminuka.
“We did a few things, considering the time, but I thought the boys responded well. We planned well, knowing the gaps and how they would play this game.
“I think we had almost every answer except for once where we failed to engage him after a long ball was played and it was played back.
“Then I saw from the resultant move that he (Dynamos player) did not shut the taker down in good time.”
The Glamour Boys remained rooted third from the bottom with nine points from 12 games. Chaminuka believes his charges will improve with time.
“I’m sure it was a good lesson for the boys. A lot of the things that we talk about are things that happen in the game of football.
“When we give them instructions, they should take heed. I’m sure with time, they will adapt and we will start reaping results. We just need to be more convincing.
“In the last third, that is, the attacking third, we took a lot of our shots from too far off. As we go, we want to get closer so that instead of hitting hard, we’re just supposed to pass the ball into the net,” said Chaminuka.
His opposite number was only sitting on the bench in his second match in charge after playing another 1-1 draw with Herentals last week. CAPS United are still in precarious 15th place on the log standings with 10 points from 12 outings.
“I think I have to give credit to the players. It’s not easy. They have been with a former coach for a long time. But I think they did well, despite their mistakes in the game. Looking at how I came in and this game, there is much improvement.
“I think they are coming up with the system. We work on all the departments because every department is very important in the game. But today I’m just happy that they showed some of the things we did in training, which is good for us,” said Bakala.
Teams:
Dynamos: Prince Tafiremutsa, Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo, Raymond Uchena, Shadreck Nyahwa, Brandon Jerimani (R. Chingwara, 81st min), Frank Agyemang, Valentine Kadonzvo (E. Perezo, 68th min), Vusa Ngwenya, Tellmore Pio, Leeroy Mavhunga (E. Chikona, 78th min)
CAPS Utd: Stephen Kwaku, Bruce Kangwa, Wesley Milanzi, Jimmy Dzingai, Tapiwa Matongo, Love Raema Bissila Mabiala (J. Bunjira, 76thmin), Kundai Benyu (J. Mutudza, 81st min), Tanaka Shandirwa, Phineas Bamusi, Nyasha Chintuli (E. Manokore, 76th min), Emmanuel Mbollo (J. Bakari, 66th min)
