Newly unveiled Dynamos Technical Director Aristica Cioaba has set his sights on a deep run in the CAF Confederation Cup, aiming to guide the 'Glamour Boys' at least to the quarter-finals or semi-finals of the continental competition.
The 54-year-old Romanian tactician was officially presented to the media on Friday, stepping in to steady the ship following the suspension of Genesis Mangombe, who has since reportedly departed for Triangle United.
Dynamos earned their ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup after clinching the Chibuku Super Cup last season. Cioaba, a Uefa Pro Licence holder with vast experience across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, is already plotting a formidable campaign on the continent despite having a short window to prepare.
"I am just starting to put down the plan for the team," Cioaba said. "I know the Confederation Cup is coming and maybe I will need to bring in some more players to help in this competition.
“But I have maybe one month to prepare this team to bring a good results."
While acknowledging the weight of expectations, the former Azam and Aduana Stars gaffer made it clear that he wants to make a serious impact in Africa.
"The plan for us in the Confederation Cup is to go beyond the group stages, maybe reach the quarter-finals or the semi-finals," he revealed. "But this is just talk; give me one month to introduce my philosophy to the team and also see which players we can bring in.
“But for sure, it's the plan of the management for us to do well in this tournament."
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Cioaba’s arrival signals a radical tactical shift for one of Zimbabwe's most supported club.
Reminiscent of his countryman and former Warriors coach Marian 'Mario' Marinica, Cioaba promises an entertaining, high-tempo brand of football that will get fans off their seats.
“My philosophy is clear. I like offensive, aggressive football with high pressing,” Cioaba said. “Supporters want action and goals. I value good organisation in attack and we don’t want to give opponents chances on the counter.”
The Romanian has spent the last few weeks assessing the squad, watching Dynamos’ last six games—including two from the VVIP tribune at Rufaro—and spending a full week on the training pitch.
He inherits a side sitting seventh on the log, 12 points behind leaders Scottland, but he is confident he can instil the necessary belief in his players to turn their domestic fortunes around.
Cioaba's immediate mandate is to secure a top-four finish this season before launching a full-scale league title assault next year.
His reign begins this afternoon at Rufaro Stadium, where he takes charge of his first official assignment as Dynamos host league debutants AGAMA FC.
