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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
DENVER Mukamba is not exactly enjoying a purple patch on his third spell with Dynamos.
But there is no denying the fact that he is the most loved player at the Glamour Boys.
It has become a trend that each time DeMbare play, no matter the result, it is a huge pay day for the former Ngezi Platinum Stars man.
The 2012 Soccer Star of the Year started his first game for the Glamour Boys this season on Monday against Cranborne Bullets.
Until then, he had been limited to second half substitute appearances, in all the opening three games of the term.
He assisted Tinashe Makanda for the solitary goal that downed Hwange in DeMbare’s opening day victory at Barbourfields.
But, on Monday, Mukamba was underwhelming on a day Dynamos played without any glamour or conviction when grinding a point in a game they could have easily lost.
Although the lanky midfielder, in one or two moments, displayed some good skills, he couldn’t inspire a flat team that failed to register even a single shot on target for the second game running.
Dynamos, with eight points under their belt, are third on the log after winning two games and drawing as many times.
The Glamour Boys are yet to concede a goal in 360 minutes amid some renewed belief new coach Herbert “Jompano” Marowa, who was part of the technical team the last time Dynamos won the league title, will finally end a nine-year wait for the crown.
On Monday, it felt like Dynamos had lost two points rather than gaining one after the dull draw.
But, that did not stop the Dynamos fans from giving Mukamba the usual royal treatment at the end of the match.
The fans threw different denominations in local and foreign currency at the player with the latter revealing the cash amounted to over US$60 in total.
Mukamba said, although he knows Dynamos fans appreciate him, the level in which they are embracing him has even shocked him.
This is a boy who left the Harare giants in unceremonious fashion after he was booted out due to “unbecoming behaviour” four years ago.
“To tell you the truth, I am shocked with the level of love being displayed by the fans. They are doing this for the third week running. I felt that we disappointed them as a team after failing to beat Cranborne Bullets and reclaim top spot in the league.
“I also felt that I wasn’t in my usual best form today (on Monday). It was a difficult match in which we failed to come to the party,” said Mukamba.
“But, to be called by the fans, and given the cash, well, I felt very good. I know these fans love me but I wasn’t aware of the level. I am really shocked, to say the least.
“It is a gesture that will make you want to do even better going forward. It is a gesture that is as inspiring as it is encouraging.
“You would like to do well for them. You would like to play good football for them. You would like to play well and behave well every day so that they are as well proud of you.
“You will feel that whenever you are not performing well, you are letting them down. You would feel that each time you misbehave; you will disappoint them. So I have to behave and play well just for them.”
Mukamba said in the immediate, the fans need to have their smiles back, when Dynamos face Highlanders in the Battle of Zimbabwe at Barbourfields on Saturday.
The epic Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match between the two giants will be followed by another clash between them in the Independence trophy final at Mt Darwin High School four days later.
And Mukamba feels a back-to-back victory for the Harare giants will atone for the two goalless draws the team posted against Cranborne Bullets and Simba Bhora in the last two weeks.
“Playing against Highlanders is really a big deal. There are only three points on offer in the league for the winner but this game is more than just that.
“The significance of this match goes beyond the three points on offer. The bragging rights, those things, you know, it really drives players to want to do well,” Mukamba said.
“Dynamos fans deserve special treatment. They deserve to celebrate especially after we failed to win our last two games. We are really keen to get going as players.
“The fans have been showing us love and we will do the same on Saturday at Barbourfields. We are really looking forward to this match. It is always a game that everyone looks forward to right from the day the Premier Soccer League publishes the fixtures.
“We need to bring smiles on our fans’ faces with victory over Highlanders. We know Bosso are very difficult to beat at Barbourfields but we are Dynamos and we are always comfortable playing anywhere in Zimbabwe. Remember, we have already recorded a victory over Hwange at the same venue, just to underline our credentials.” Dynamos and Highlanders are separated by goal difference with the latter carrying an inferior tally with both teams tied on eight points after four matches. Whoever wins on Saturday will move to pole position on the log, at least for 24 hours as leaders CAPS United (10 points) and second-placed FC Platinum (nine points) will only face-off on Sunday at the National Sports Stadium.
Online Reporter