Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS coach Genesis Mangombe has declared there will be no room for passengers as the Glamour Boys ramped up preparations for Sunday’s high-stakes Castle Lager Premiership showdown against Highlanders at Barbourfields.
Mangombe is under pressure to deliver a statement performance in the Battle of Zimbabwe, particularly at a venue that has proved hostile for Dynamos over the past decade.
The Harare giants have not beaten their old rivals in open play at Barbourfields since 2014, when they were still under Kalisto Pasuwa, despite several attempts under different coaches.
In fact, 2014 was also the last year that Dynamos won the league title, while one of their lowest moments came last season when they had to fend off relegation on the final day of the term.
The closest they have come in recent years was in 2023, when Mangombe’s youthful side stormed into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 38 minutes before crowd trouble forced the match to be abandoned.
Dynamos were later awarded a 3-0 victory by the PSL Disciplinary Committee.
This weekend, however, presents a fresh opportunity not only to end the longstanding jinx but also for Mangombe to further win over sceptics and position his team as serious contenders heading into the second half of the season.
“It’s a big game, and we take it very seriously,” Mangombe said.
“You can see from the training that the guys are doing so well so that they get selected into the final squad to travel to Bulawayo.
“In this league, every team is good in its own way, and we need to apply ourselves positively, as we have been doing in all the past games.
“We are preparing well for this game so that we get maximum points,” said Mangombe. There was no winner in last season’s encounters between the two sides, with both matches ending in draws.
But Dynamos head into this latest meeting in improved form, raising hopes among supporters that they could finally break their Barbourfields hoodoo.
Mangombe acknowledged the challenge posed by playing away in Bulawayo but remained confident in his team’s approach.
Consequently, he needs his men in their best shape and performing to their peak standards in his attack-minded formations.
“The environment is conducive for playing, and from the supporters as well, they are also at home. But the fact that Highlanders are playing in their own home ground can give them an added advantage.
“But football being football, if you do the right things at the right time, you can be assured of winning the game,” said Mangombe.
Ghanaian winger Frank Agyemang has been central to that revival, hitting top form with eight goals, while Jairos Kasondo has chipped in with six.
The attacking duo has provided the cutting edge that was missing last season.
Dynamos have also benefited from strong performances across the pitch, with Abel Gwatidzo, a rejuvenated Wisdom Mutasa, Tellmore Pio, Isaac Landu and Hastings Chapusha all playing key roles in the team’s resurgence.
Skipper Shadreck Nyahwa has also provided some grit in midfield.
Mangombe attributes the improvement to better execution of his tactical approach and increasing competition for places.
“If you see the way we play, our transitions are always perfect, and we normally use speed when going forward, and it’s working for the boys,” Mangombe said.
“There is also understanding of what is expected of them in terms of our attack. You know, there is competition. There are so many players outside who also need to fight for a place in the squad.
“So, if you are not giving us results, then we can opt for the other players. So, you need to work hard so that you keep playing for the team.”
Dynamos are currently sixth on the log standings with 29 points, and only a point separates them from Highlanders, who are seventh on the ladder.
While Dynamos have enjoyed relatively smooth preparations, their opponents have had a more turbulent build-up.
In what is becoming routine ahead of their big games, Bosso’s preparations were disrupted after senior players boycotted training this week, demanding the payment of outstanding salaries and bonuses.
