Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN an exciting turn of events, Dynamos, the giants who struggled during the off-season relying on trials for recruitment are among the early pacesetters.
The Blue Army have sent shockwaves through the local football community, with many hailing them as a colourful tale in the making.
Despite it being early in the season, a section of enthusiasts has also labelled the giants as a dark horse of sorts.
Yet just weeks ago, they were viewed as a struggling side that would fight relegation from the season kick-off. In fact, it was easy for many to expect them to stutter considering last season when they survived the dreaded chop on the last day, they had similar business.
Dynamos, in 2025 and 2026, were financially crippled, resulting in them conducting trials where they went on to sign free agents.
They were to endure a difficult season, escaping relegation on the final day of the campaign.
While this year was a similar story in the off-season, the marathon is a different narrative altogether.
Currently DeMbare are in position two on the log table, with 14 points to their name after an impressive four wins and two draws record.
They are joint with third-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars who also have four victories and two defeats in their books while fellow traditional giants CAPS United occupy the summit with 15 points.
After getting a windfall from Africa Bet and Contiplay, many believe that the financial backing could be the major driving force behind the team’s performance. Yet captain Shadreck Nyahwa reveals a fascinating dressing room story.
“Of late, we are always happy and excited because money is coming so our bonuses are often paid up while welfare is being fairly taken care of,” he said.
“However, the major driving force in the team is the unity within the dressing room…as a team there comes a time when you have to stand together or have a bond to achieve.”
Nyahwa notes that the current performance at Dynamos largely lies in team unity rather than financial rewards.
Inside the dressing room, the focus is on strong collective spirit and shared goals.
With a new executive committee in place, fresh funding, and a reshaped squad, significant changes have been made at DeMbare.
The recent developments have created a more motivated and cohesive team.
Nyahwa said the improved performance comes from dedication and solidarity of the team, while the monetary incentives come as icing on the cake.
“Our team has youngsters who want to play and prove their worth while we also have seniors who have the premiership experience and want to be competitive,” he said.
“This is the environment that any captain would want to work in; it makes your job easy because everyone is always self-motivated.
“Last year we survived relegation on the last day and we do not wish to go through that again this year hence we are putting in all the hard work from the onset, we are happy that results are coming.”
Technically, Dynamos also appear to have gained some stability while the Genesis Mangombe-coached side also has the much-needed depth.
The youthful coach roped in the services of veterans Moses Demera, Perfect Chikwende, Trevor Mavhunga, Mandlenkosi Mlilo, Collins Mujuru, Harmony Nare and Anotidaishe Gwatidzo among others. DeMbare also brought in former Nyasa Bullets and Malawi national team forward Stanely Billiat who has been doing good business together with Ghanaian defender Christopher Nettey.
Having overcome their off-field problems, and securing financial muscle, Dynamos could have created a conducive platform for Mangombe to deliver.
“We are happy that we are posting positive results but also that gives us a bigger task to continue to work hard,” Mangombe said.
“Of late, we have seen so many positives and we simply need to consolidate on these good things while in the process we correct the few negatives.
“It is every coach’s wish to work with a self-motivated pool of players who look forward to playing and grinding positive results every day.
“The boys are in that phase; competition is intense in camp because they all wish to play every game and also make sure that we win so the work is too hard.”
Pundits agree that this could be a season that Dynamos rewrite history.
WEEK EIGHT FIXTURES
Saturday
Bulawayo Chiefs v Scottland (B/F), FC Hunters v Caps United (Rufaro), Hardrock v Agama (Chahwanda), Ngezi Platinum v Triangle (Baobab), TelOne v Chicken Inn (Ascot) Sunday
Dynamos v FC Platinum (Rufaro), Highlanders v ZPC Kariba (B/F), Manica Diamonds v Herentals (Greenfuel Arena).
Monday
MWOS v Simba Bhora (Ngoni)
