Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARARE giants Dynamos have now clocked 88 days without defeat since losing a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League derby tie to bitter rivals CAPS United at Rufaro on May 10.
The Glamour Boys have played 14 league matches during that period, registering six victories and eight draws to revive their hopes of challenging for honours this season.
They are the only unbeaten side in the second half of the campaign, a run that has brought them back into the championship title conversation.
Dynamos currently sit third on 45 points, eight behind leaders Scottland and two adrift of second-placed Hardrock.
However, given the quality and consistency of the two teams above them, overhauling the deficit remains a tall order.
Thus, their most realistic chance of ending the season with silverware could therefore lie in the knock-out competitions.
That bid begins with a crack at the lucrative ZIFA Munhumutapa Cup Challenge and Chibuku Super Cup, with the former carrying the added incentive of a ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup. Dynamos have dominated the Chibuku Super Cup in recent years, winning the last three editions.
They will now be seeking a record-extending fourth consecutive title while also mounting a challenge for the inaugural Munhumutapa Cup.
Their resurgence has been built around a solid defensive unit. Dynamos last conceded in a 1-1 draw against Highlanders in Bulawayo in June and have since kept six consecutive clean sheets.
That record is the one they will be hoping to maintain when they face bogey side Hwange in the ZIFA Munhumutapa Cup Challenge on Saturday at the Colliery.
The Colliery have not been a good hunting ground in the past for Dynamos, but club technical director Aristica Cioba is aware of and ready for the challenge.
“We have started preparing for the game. Today is our last training session in Harare before we begin the long journey,” said Cioba.
“We will travel to Bulawayo tomorrow (today), train there, and spend the night. We will then continue to Hwange the following day (Friday).”
Cioba is aware of Hwange’s impressive record against Dynamos and expects a difficult encounter at the coalminers’ home ground. “Hwange have always been a difficult opponent for Dynamos, especially at their home ground, but we believe we have solutions for them,” he said.
“I know the history of this fixture. I always gather as much information as possible about every opponent we face.”
The Romanian also revealed that echnical team has been studying Hwange’s performances in the Southern Region Soccer League. “They are leading their First Division league and have lost only one match while drawing six. Our technical team has been gathering more information about them,” said Cioba.
“It will not be an easy game. They are a First Division side, but that will give them extra motivation and energy to compete against us. However, we have a good plan for the match.”
Cioba challenged his players to respect both the opposition and the Dynamos badge as they target progression to the next round.
“The players must understand that it will be a very difficult game and that we cannot afford to make mistakes,” he said.
“They must respect the Dynamos’ name, respect our position in the league, and fight for victory and qualification to the next round.”
Cioba believes the club will not prioritise one competition at the expense of the other but will have a holistic approach to all their games.
“We are focused on every competition. Every big club wants to win both the league and cup competitions,” said Cioba.
“We are involved in several competitions, so we must carefully manage our programme and the players. We have a squad of about 30 players and a clear plan on how to use them.”
Cioba said the Glamour Boys are targeting a top-four finish in the league while also seeking silverware.
“We will fight until the end of the league campaign because our target is to finish in a respectable position,” he said.
“In the cup competitions, the management, technical staff, and players share the same objective: to win a trophy again this season.”
Cioba believes a strong league finish and cup success would help Dynamos restore the standards associated with this storied club.
“Dynamos are a big club, but we must work step by step to restore and uphold that status,” he said.
“To respect the club’s name, we need to secure a good position in the league and win a trophy this season. We must then organise ourselves properly for the future.
“In the month that I have been here, I have seen that Dynamos have a huge following and a proud history. Many people identify with the blue and white colours.
“My vision is to help restore the club’s identity and develop a winning mentality because a club of this stature should always fight for the championship,” he said.
