The Zimbabwe champions won the hearts of soccer fans with their offensive display which saw them beating rivals Dynamos to the ultimate prize in domestic football – League title. It was their maiden league title since they burst into the elite league two years ago. Gunners were then under the guidance of Moses “Bambo” Chunga, and it was also Chunga’s first major silverware since he started his coaching career a decade ago. But now they are under the tutelage of Darlington Dodo- Chunga’s former assistant.
Now questions are being asked about whether Dodo will fit into the Chungas shoes and successfully defend their title this season. Should he manage the task, Gunners will be the first club to win back to back titles since 2005 when CAPS United, then under the guidance of Charles Mhlauri, lifted it for the second time, having led Makepekepe to the winners podium again in 2004. In the history of the premiership only The BigThree – Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United, have managed to win back to back league titles. Dodo believes it is possible that they could defend their league title.
“Of course history favours the so called big teams, but remember records are there to be broken. We are one team that is aiming to break that by winning back to back titles. We are aware there is a lot of pressure if you are champions, but I think we are gaining a lot experience in the African Champions League. I am confident of us lifting the title again,” Dodo told The Zimbabwean. Gunners, who are one of the four Zimbabwean teams taking part in the African club competitions, were expected to play former African Champions Al Ahly of Egypt in the first round first leg at Rufaro this week.
Post published in: Football