By Sheldon Hakata
THE country’s most decorated soccer side, Dynamos, have their roots in Harare’s high density suburb of Mbare.
Mbare is also home to former Black Aces dribbling wizard Bernard ‘Machipisa’ Dzingayi, ex-Dynamos striker Boniface ‘Achimwene’ Kabwe, Black Aces midfield maestro Moses ‘Gwejegweje’ Chasweka, his young brother Alex ‘Chola’ Chasweka, Nyasha Chazika, Edward ‘Madhobha’ Katsvere and the Muchongwe brothers Garnet and Edward, among others.
The current Dynamos captain, Edward ‘Dhudhuza’ Sadomba, was also born and bred in Mbare in Muchirahondo Street, together with the Diya brothers Tichaona and Munyaradzi.
Rufaro Stadium, where they are set to play not less than 23 of their games this season, is their hunting ground.
In some instances, it has been difficult for various clubs to play with fans in the Vietnam stand strongly rallying behind DeMbare or ‘Chazunguza’ as some fanatics say.
After starting the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaign with an unconvincing win over Madziva-based Mushowani Stars, Dynamos was humbled by top flight league returnees, Hwange.
Nicknamed ‘Chipangano’, Hwange proved they are not in the PSL to make numbers as they came from behind to snatch a 2-1 win from Dynamos at the much fancied Rufaro Stadium.
It was Hwange’s second successive win after beating Yadah FC in the opening game of the season.
The ‘Glamour Boys’, as Dynamos are affectionately known, face a stern test against the ‘Gamecocks’, Chicken Inn, in Bulawayo this weekend and despite the many games remaining in the PSL, Dynamos need to please their legion of ‘hungry’ supporters countrywide.
Dynamos started on a good note against league debutants Mushowani Stars, but against Hwange, they were frustrated and stopped in their tracks by goalkeeper Taimon Mvula.
No doubt, Mvula’s spectacular saves frustrated both DeMbare players and fans in their own backyard.
The 25-year-old goalie, who practically overshadowed the home team, stole the show.
In fact, it turned, to be a tale of two goalkeepers as the Dynamos goalkeeper, Tinashe Chinami had a torrid time between the posts after fumbling a harmless looking ball near the post in the 63rd minute.
Dynamos defender Jimmy Tigere lost possession in the box and they were duly punished with a low shot that took a slight deflection and landed into the bottom corner of the net for Hwange to win the game.
“We had some sloppy defending that gave two goals to Hwange,” said the Dynamos gaffer Lloyd Chigowe.
No doubt, Dynamos players went to sleep and the visitors capitalised.
Elsewhere, two shots hitting the upright post and two blunders by an out-of-sorts referee were the key talking points in the PSL encounter played before a near capacity crowd at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo as Highlanders clashed with CAPS United.
The blockbuster match ended goalless, something Highlanders fans did not expect at ‘Emagumeni’ (Barbourfields).
Mutare-based Manica Diamonds collected their first set of maximum points in commendable fashion after defeating Harare City 3-1 at Gibbo Stadium in Triangle.
The ‘Gem Boys’, as Manica Diamonds are known, showed they are no pushovers in this PSL campaign despite being newcomers.
Still licking their wounds, Harare City need to brace for another Highlanders clash over the weekend at Rufaro Stadium.
Army sides Chapungu and Black Rhinos had another thrilling stalemate at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane.
The Gweru-based Air Force of Zimbabwe outfit, Chapungu, are temporarily using Mandava Stadium as their ‘home ground’, while awaiting the facelift of their base, Ascot Stadium.
FC Platinum have been playing consistent football due to their participation in the CAF Champions League.
The defending PSL champions have maintained a good start, just like Chicken Inn and Hwange.
They are all on six points on the PSL log, but it’s the Gamecocks who top the table on goal difference.
Castle Lager PSLeague fixtures
Saturday
Mushowani Stars vs FC Platinum (NSS) 13hr
Black Rhinos vs Bulawayo Chiefs (NSS)
TelOne vs ZPC Kariba (Mandava)
Harare City vs Highlanders (Rufaro)
Chicken Inn vs Dynamos (Barbourfields)
Sunday
CAPS United vs Chapungu (NSS)
Hwange vs Ngezi Platinum Stars (Colliery)
Herentals vs Yadah (Rufaro)
Triangle vs Manica Diamonds (Gibbo).
All matches kick off at 15hr unless otherwise stated.