Football, as they say, is a game of short memories. Just weeks ago, Dynamos supporters were staring into the abyss after a humiliating 5-0 drubbing by Scottland in the season opening Castle Lager Challenge Cup.
Critics were sharpening their knives, predicting another season of misery for the Harare giants who only escaped relegation on the final day of the season last year.
Fast forward to today, and the Glamour Boys are wearing their name with pride again.
Unbeaten in the league and sitting second on the log with seven points, Genesis Mangombe’s new-look DeMbare is doing something few thought possible.
Their latest statement of intent came on Thursday with a battling 2-0 away victory over perennial bogey side Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields Stadium.
Jairos Kasondo opened the scoring with an instinctive near-post strike, followed by a clinical Frank Agyemang header to secure the three points.
The margin could have been wider.
A Shadreck Nyahwa pile driver from range appeared to cross the line after being fumbled by the Chiefs' goalkeeper, but officials bizarrely waved play on, denying what would have been a Goal of the Season contender.
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This result, following a 2-1 win over TelOne and a thrilling 2-2 draw against Highlanders, catapults Dynamos to second on the log with seven points, just two behind arch-rivals Caps United.
Despite the upward trajectory, Mangombe is refusing to get carried away.
"We are still trying some few combinations," Mangombe said. "We don't have a proper team at the moment. We are still working on some combinations. Very soon, we will have something that I can call a team. But I'm happy we can grind results along the way."
Mangombe’s tactical flexibility has been a hallmark of the early season.
Both Kasondo and Agyemang started against Highlanders but were utilized as substitutes on Thursday, a gamble that paid off handsomely.
"I’m happy that Frank and Kasondo did very well when they came on and they managed to score. That is exactly what we expect from everyone who is on the team. Everyone must add value. I have told them, 'If you are on the bench, you have to come in and change the game.' I’m happy they did that, and it also boosts their confidence."
Beyond the scoring, Mangombe found solace in the clean sheet kept at Barbourfields.
"I’m very happy that we didn’t concede. For the past two matches, we were conceding goals. This can be a good foundation which we can build on," he added.
The road ahead remains busy as Dynamos travel to Wadzanayi this afternoon to face promoted side Agama.
While Agama has struggled, losing their opening three matches, Mangombe is wary of the quick turnaround and the toll of travel.
"I’m anticipating another very difficult game," he warned. "We only have a day to train for the game so we will try and manage the load for travelling. We need to do proper recoveries for the players so that they have the proper energies."
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday Four fixtures
Today: Mwos v Bulawayo Chiefs (Ngoni), Scottland v Hunters (Rufaro), Zpc Kariba v Manica Diamonds (Nyamhunga), Agama v Dynamos (Wadzanayi).
Tomorrow: Herentals v Triangle (Rufaro).
