Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR someone like King Utete, who was sent to school by Dynamos and grew up within the club’s system, DeMbare’s start to the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League has been a relief.
A forward whose career was cut short by a groin injury, the 26-year-old Utete was a major beneficiary of DeMbare’s yesteryear football and education policy.
He went to Mberi Primary in Zengeza and Churchill High in Harare on a Dynamos scholarship.
“Dynamos sent me to school and also groomed me football wise.
“While at Churchill High I would also train with DeMbare’s first team, although I featured mostly in the reserve side,” Utete tells Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“To see them perform well makes us happy.
“It’s been long since the team lifted the league championship,” added Utete.
The last time Dynamos won the league title was in 2014, when they completed a four-peat under record breaking gaffer Kalisto Pasuwa.
Since then, Dynamos have spent a number of years fighting against relegation rather than challenging for the title.
But, there is a growing belief, especially among their fans, that DeMbare could fight for the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship, after a commendable start to the season.
They are unbeaten after seven rounds of action and sit third on the log, just a point behind log leaders CAPS United.
DeMbare have registered 15 points out of a possible 18, which translates to an 83 percent success rate under returnee Genesis Mangombe.
Cumulatively, Dynamos remain unbeaten in the league since July 27, 2025.
But, that stern run comes under a huge threat from defending champions Scottland whom they face at Rufaro next Wednesday.
The two sides were supposed to meet this weekend but Scottland are playing in the Independence Cup final against Highlanders in Maphisa on Saturday.
“So far so good, Dynamos have started well and the boys should just maintain the momentum,” Utete said.
Before the injury, Utete also played top flight football locally at Black Rhinos and Whawha.
He hung up his boots in 2022 after a persistent groin shattered his dreams.
“Nonetheless, DeMbare remain close to my heart.
“I was one of the boys who benefited from the club’s policy on school and education.
“I am still a Dynamos fan even after quitting the game.
“It’s very painful to stop playing in your early 20s, but such is life.
“I can only hope that Dynamos can win the title and perhaps soothe my pain,” an emotional Utete revealed.
He added: “I can see the Premiership has transformed a lot.
“Most of the teams are now very competitive and games are unpredictable which is healthy for our football.
“The coming in of teams like MWOS, Scottland and Simba Bhora has pushed other teams to adjust to the new levels.
“My boyhood team Dynamos is also back in the mix, which is good because DeMbare are a traditional powerhouse.”
Some of the key players driving Dynamos this season include combative defensive midfielder Telmore “Kante” Pio, Collin “Mbeumo” Mujuru, Ghanaian right back Christopher “Frimpong” Nettey and top scorer Jairos Kasondo.
