Wenslus Murape
Eddie Chikamhi, Senior Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS interim coach, Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe is looking beyond just giving a robust fight in the remainder of the Castle Lager Premiership race as he has also been handed the task of leading the club on a decent run on their return to the African safari.
Thrust back into the deep-end following the sacking of Genesis Mangombe earlier this week, Chigowe is not new to these situations.
His first assignment at Barbourfields tomorrow is against log leaders Simba Bhora in the domestic Premiership. It’s a tricky test for any local coach at the moment given the Shamva side is in imperious form.
But Chigowe has embraced the challenge, which will be followed by a trip to Botswana where they host Zambian side ZESCO United in a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie next week.
“When you play a humdinger of a match against a club like Simba Bhora who are top of the table, it’s a good preparation and a good test.
“I think it will give us an opportunity to gauge where we are going and what our capabilities are,” he said.
His assistant Murape Murape is not accredited to join him in the dugout, while a new goalkeepers’ coach is still being sought to replace Brito Gwere.
“When you are head coach of Dynamos, you are under pressure.
“Every team that you play against wants to beat Dynamos and it will be no exception when we play against Simba Bhora.
“Simba Bhora are on a roll and we will be out to make sure that we play to stop them.
“We are happy to play at Barbourfields. Actually, last year we collected the majority of our points when we migrated to Barbourfields.”
The bigger picture, however, is the Confederation Cup assignment.
Chigowe is new on this terrain, and much will depend on faith.
“Dynamos reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2008 and it was a bigger tournament than this one.
“And, for a team that has been away from African football for a decade, I think the Confederation Cup is a good entry point.
“Rather than go back directly to Champions League and face giants like Al Ahly and Esperance, we face our neighbours ZESCO and we aim to improve from there.
“We have got good chances, but you have to work hard to achieve your objectives in any area of you endevour,” said Chigowe.
Fixtures
Tomorrow
Dynamos v Simba Bhora (Barbourfields), Bulawayo Chiefs v Bikita Minerals (Luveve), Yadah v TelOne (Heart Stadium), GreenFuel v Chicken Inn (GreenFuel), ZPC Kariba v CAPS United (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v Arenel Movers (Mandava)
Sunday
Hwange v Chegutu Pirates (Colliery), Highlanders v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Barbourfields), Manica Diamonds v Herentals (Sakubva)
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