PRIOR to the 2-1 league defeat to ZPC Kariba two weeks ago, Dynamos used to vehemently shout: “We are the champions!” as their war cry after every training session.
BY MICHAEL MADYIRA
But it was a different story last week where they had toned down to the cliché, “DeMbare hoyeee.”
This is the clearest indication the Harare giants may have resigned hopes of claiming a fourth successive league title.
Even the body language at training last week was different from a group of players who showed a lot of zeal all season, suggesting they have mentally surrendered the crown to ZPC Kariba.
ZPC are on the verge of engraving their name into Zimbabwean football folklore this afternoon if they at least draw with CAPS United at Gwanzura.
In the event that Dynamos beat How Mine at Rufaro and ZPC Kariba draw, the two sides would be level on 57 points, but the Harare giants’ victory has to be an insurmountable five-goal margin.
Witnessing Dynamos appear humbled by debutants like ZPC Kariba is a far cry from a giant that has terrorised the Premier Soccer League for the past three seasons.
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Their apparent submission could be the effect of their double defeat at the hands of Saul Chaminuka’s men whom they know have the capacity to overpower CAPS United this afternoon and dethrone them.
What makes ZPC Kariba real challengers is the fact that they are the only side that completed a season double over Dynamos since 2011 and they are the first side to beat Dynamos in the last five matches since 2010.
But this could have taken the pressure off the Glamour Boys ahead of this final day as the pressure is now more on ZPC Kariba who have one foot in the Promised Land.
“The people in Kariba have already started celebrating,” said Chaminuka.
“Obviously that has mounted pressure on us. They are mere fans and do not know that you cannot start celebrating when there is still 90 minutes to play. They are saying, ‘Chaminuka win this game for us.’ Now the pressure is on us not to cut short their celebrations.
“That is why I am cautious on the CAPS United match. Even my players know we do not have to be complacent. But this is a must-win for us so that we confirm for ourselves that we are champions without banking on How Mine to beat Dynamos.”
Just seven days ago, Chaminuka and Dynamos coach Kalisto Pasuwa were colleagues on duty with the Young Warriors in Morocco. But they have suddenly reverted to enemy mode.
“We had forgotten about club football when we were in Morocco and we never talked about it. That was sensitive to us. Everything was about the national team,” said Chaminuka.
Interestingly, Chaminuka and Dynamos coach Kalisto Pasuwa grew up together in Masvingo.
“We grew up together in Mucheke A and our houses were just 50 yards apart. Pasuwa is my younger brother. He knows me more than I know myself,” said Chaminuka.
Veteran ZPC forward Limited Chikafa was due to pass a late fitness test late yesterday while Tsepo Ranthokoane has been suspended. Captain Tendai Hove is still out injured but Chaminuka says he has enough cover.
Dynamos on the other hand host How Mine with Anesu Gondo, Tawanda Muparati, Masimba Mambare, Washington Pakamisa and Devon Chafa injured, leaving them in a fix ahead of this crucial game.
Roderick Mutuma is suspended.
Pasuwa is not happy about the way his side has fared in their last 10 home games where they have dropped eight points in draws with Chicken Inn, Hwange, Chapungu and relegated Bantu Rovers.
“Our last 10 home games have been tough for us. We thought maybe playing at home was going to be easy but it just turned out to be difficult,” said Pasuwa.
“We need to return to winning ways. We are trying to psyche up the boys to recover from the ZPC Kariba defeat and believe that they can do it. What is important is to win and not look at how other teams have played,” he said.
