HERALD

We will play for the badge, declares Pio

Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub

DYNAMOS midfielder Telmore “Kante” Pio insists the Harare giants will not do anyone any favours when they host title-chasing Hardrock in a potentially explosive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Rufaro tomorrow.

DeMbare have suddenly found themselves at the centre of the two-horse title race between new log leaders Hardrock and defending champions Scottland.

The Kasongo Boys are two points clear of Mabviravira going into the last four rounds of the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. A victory or draw for Dynamos would hand Scottland a boost in the title race, while a defeat would allow Hardrock to stretch their lead to five points, with Mabviravira occupied by their CAF Champions League commitments this weekend.

But Pio insists Dynamos are focused on their own ambitions rather than the title permutations.

“For starters, we are taking this game against Hardrock just like any other league game, so there’s no pressure at all.

“There will be no respect to anyone. We will just play our normal game.

“Remember, we also want to secure a top-four finish,” said Pio.

Dynamos occupy fourth place with 51 points, three ahead of city rivals CAPS United, and are desperate to finish the season strongly after their exits from both the Chibuku Super Cup and the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.

With silverware no longer within reach in either competition, a top-four finish has become DeMbare’s primary target.

Pio, a former Harare City star, says the Glamour Boys are preparing for the Hardrock encounter with maximum points firmly in their sights.

“We will keep on working hard, and we are preparing well for the game against Hardrock.

“We know this game can decide the title, but we just want to play our normal game and collect maximum points.

“We are not thinking about Hardrock’s position; neither are we thinking of Scottland. We are not doing anyone any favours but ourselves,” he said.