Needing a comprehensive win to prove that they have overcome the departure of key players and do well in the continental safari, DeMbare have been unimpressive in pre-season games. Their 0-0 draw against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and the 2-1 win over perennial rivals Highlanders in the Bob 89 Super Cup were both mediocre performances.
Coach Calisto Pasuwa needs to infuse some cohesion and sharpness into a side that appears to be relying too heavily on dogged defending to pull through. The departure of last year’s nucleus of forwards like Simba Sithole, Rodrick Mutuma and Denvar Mukamba to South African clubs has undoubtedly left the Dynamos offensive sorely crippled.
Against Highlanders on Sunday, the reigning league and cup champions scored two first-half goals to eventually win the tie, but they were on the back-foot for much of the afternoon, conceding 12 corner kicks while winning only three at the other end.
Pasuwa has successfully strengthened the defensive areas, after bringing in Steven Alimenda, Sydney Linyama and Morris Kadzola to add depth.
Alimenda played against both Sundowns and Highlanders, partnering Devon Chafa in front of the central defence pairing of Partson Jaure and Gift Bello. But while the deployment of two defensive midfielders may have solidified the team’s rear guard, it appears to be affecting balance going forward, with Dynamos having so far struggled to overwhelm opponents in the final third.
Last Sunday, Highlanders coach Kevin Kaindu noted that the Glamour Boys had only “got two chances and made the most of them”, while Pasuwa admitted that Highlanders had “pressed us in midfield and I am glad that my players defended well.”
Ugandan star Boban Zirituntsa, tipped to take over the playmaking duties, has so far struggled to impose himself, while returning striker Patrick Khumbula, who scored against Highlanders, is hardly the kind of forward Dynamos can pin their Champions League hopes on.
Coming up against the minnows from Lesotho, a home defeat at home is out of question for the Harare giants, but the challenges get tougher after the preliminary round, with either Club Berzetin of Tunisia or Ettihad of Libya awaiting them in the first round.
Should Dynamos pass that test, they are certain to face defending champions Al-Ahly of Egypt in the second round.
Post published in: Football