Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos………. 0
Chicken Inn…. (0) 1
THE WALLS are closing in on Dynamos. Once the pride of Zimbabwean football, the Glamour Boys are fast becoming a fading echo of their glorious past. On Sunday at Rufaro, in front of a crowd desperate to believe again, they fell flat — again.
A late thunderbolt by Chicken Inn striker Brian Muza added another grim chapter to DeMbare’s growing book of woes, handing the Harare giants a 1-0 defeat and sending their supporters into a mixture of fury, confusion and heartache.
It was a cruel, stinging blow that landed just five minutes from time — a rising strike from Muza that rifled past a badly positioned Prince Tafiremutsa, the Dynamos goalkeeper rooted helplessly to his line.
The goal was enough to seal a 1-0 win for the visitors, and while Chicken Inn celebrated their long-awaited breakthrough, the atmosphere around Rufaro turned funereal. DeMbare fans stood rooted in disbelief. Some slumped against the stadium rails, others gathered in angry knots outside the gates, demanding answers and accountability.
This was not just a defeat. It was another painful reminder that the Glamour Boys are no longer who they used to be. They are no longer feared, no longer fluid, no longer functional.
After six games, they’ve collected just six points — one win, three draws, and two losses — and scored a meagre two goals. They currently sit in 13th place, closer to the relegation zone than to the summit of the table.
“We are in trouble,” muttered one elderly fan, barely audible over the rising din of protests outside Rufaro. “This is not Dynamos. This is a shadow. A ghost.”
Inside the post-match press conference, assistant coach Mark Mathe tried to stay composed, but the disappointment was evident.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow. Looking at the balance of play, fair play to Chicken Inn — they had a good game plan,” said Mathe.
“But I strongly feel that the best result today should have been a draw. There was a moment leading to their goal when Shadreck Nyahwa was clearly fouled. He was down on the turf. The referee let play continue and we got punished.”
Mathe’s complaints about officiating may resonate with some, but they cannot mask the growing crisis that has engulfed Zimbabwe’s most decorated club.
Perhaps most damning was the confusion on the pitch. Dynamos’ game lacked structure. Their build-ups were disjointed. Their midfield looked lost. Their forwards were isolated.
The technical bench made a number of head-scratching changes during the match. Shadreck Nyahwa, usually a defensive enforcer, was pushed into an advanced role before being dragged back. Club captain Emmanuel Jalai, typically a steady right-back, was given a free attacking role in the second half. It felt desperate.
Abel Gwatidzo, one of the few bright sparks on the day, was taken off in the 73rd minute despite providing energy and width on the left. His replacement Valentine Kadonzvo struggled to impact the game, a decision that drew audible groans from the stands.
To their credit, Dynamos started the match with some fire. Elton Chikona rattled the crossbar with a thunderous free-kick early on. Tendai Magwaza fluffed a golden chance just before halftime when he skied a shot from inside the box.
But as the minutes ticked by, belief waned. Chicken Inn began to grow into the game. Mpumelelo Bhebhe forced Tafiremutsa into a smart save from a corner. Later, Xolani Ndlovu tested the keeper again with a curling free-kick that had to be pushed away at full stretch.
And when Muza finally struck — a clean, powerful effort into the top corner — the script was already written.
For Chicken Inn, this was more than just three points. It was a release.
The Bulawayo side had stumbled through their opening five matches — four draws and one defeat — but on Sunday, they looked sharper, more organised, and more determined than their hosts.
Assistant coach Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi couldn’t hide his relief.
“It’s a confidence booster. Everyone will be buzzing,” said Kwashi.
“We shall enjoy the night. I’ll allow the lads to have their beers, have a drink, have fun with their wives. They need it. It’s part of the business. But we’re back to work Tuesday. Simba Bhora is coming. No time to relax.”
Dynamos’ problems are not new. For years, internal boardroom squabbles, inconsistent technical appointments, and poor recruitment have chipped away at the soul of this once-great institution.
Now, the fans are restless. The players look confused. The technical team seems out of ideas.
Unless something changes — dramatically and quickly — the Glamour Boys may find themselves trapped in a battle for survival, not supremacy.
And for a club with 21 league titles, that is nothing short of a tragedy.
Teams
Dynamos: Prince Tafiremutsa, Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo (V. Kadonzvo 73’), Tendai Magwaza, Nomore Chinyerere, Clive Mandivei, Shadreck Nyahwa, Frank Agyemang, Elton Chikona (L. Mavhunga 60’), Vhusa Ngwenya, Alexander Mandinyenya (Gwekwerere 75’).
Chicken Inn: Donovan Bernard, Auther Kumbirai Chinda, Mpumelelo Bhebhe, Joseph Tulani, Xolani Ndlovu, Dominic Jaricha, Itai Mabhunu, Michael Charamba, George Majika (G. Muchenje 73’), Brighton Мakopa (B. Rendo 60’), Brian Muza.
