Dynamos FC, one of the most successful and popular clubs in Zimbabwe, has set its sights on winning the league title in 2024. The Harare-based team, nicknamed Dembare, last lifted the trophy in 2014 and has since endured a frustrating spell of near-misses and underperformance.
However, their coach Genesis Mangombe, who led them to the Chibuku Super Cup victory in 2023, believes they have what it takes to challenge for the top prize this season. He said their primary goal is to improve on their third-place finish last year and claim their 23rd league title.
“We have added some foreign players, which means we are serious and we want the league title. We will try our best and see how it ends,” Mangombe said.
Dynamos was one of the most active teams in the transfer market, signing several new players to beef up their squad. Among them are two foreign strikers, from Namibia and Ghana, who are expected to add firepower to their attack.
Mangombe said he was satisfied with the squad and the progress they have made in the pre-season. He said he has been trying to create some combinations in the friendly matches they have played and he is happy with the results.
Dynamos will face a tough test in their opening fixture of the season, as they will clash with their arch-rivals Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium. The match, dubbed the Battle of Zimbabwe, is one of the most anticipated and fiercely contested games in the country.
Mangombe said he was aware of the pressure and expectations that come with the derby, but he was confident that his team would rise to the occasion and give their fans something to cheer about.
“We know it’s a big game and we respect Highlanders, but we are not afraid of them. We have prepared well and we are ready to fight for the three points,” he said.
Dynamos will also have another chance to prove their mettle when they face the defending champions Ngezi Platinum Stars in the Castle Challenge Cup on February 24. The upcoming match, scheduled to take place at Baobab Stadium, mirrors the 2023 Chibuku Super Cup final—a contest that saw Dynamos emerge victorious with a 2-0 scoreline.Â
Mangombe confidently expressed that he does not harbor any concerns about facing Ngezi again. He firmly believes that his team has made significant improvements since their last encounter and can now compete with them effectively in all aspects.
“We do not feel intimidated by Ngezi, despite their strength and having a good coach and we have beaten them before and we can do it again. We are not going there to defend, we are going there to attack and win,” he said.
Dynamos, who have a rich history and a huge fan base, are eager to restore their glory and dominance in the local scene. With a motivated coach, a revamped squad, and a determined spirit, they are hoping to make 2024 their year of triumph.
Source: New Zimbabwe
