Denver Mukamba and Emmanuel Jalai conversing as the referee awarded a penalty to Dynamos
By Dickson Bandera
Struggling giants Dynamos, along with in-form sides Scotland FC and Simba Bhora, picked up crucial wins on Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match day 24 — a dramatic weekend that also saw new signings make their mark as the season heads into its decisive phase.
At Rufaro Stadium, it was 10-man Dynamos who edged past Lloyd Mutasa’s MWOS FC, thanks to a well-taken Temptation Chiwunga penalty in the 78th minute that delivered a desperately needed victory for the Harare giants.
Dynamos came into the fixture with just two wins from 23 games, amid a chaotic spell that saw coach Lloyd Chogowe dismissed and replaced by Saul Chaminuka — who was also shown the door and succeeded by Kelvin Kaindu, who is yet to take charge of training. Former Yadah FC coach Thomas Ruzive, now serving as Dynamos assistant coach, joined team manager Ronald Sibanda and club legend Takesure Chinyama to prepare the side while the club scrambled to register last-minute signings to plug gaps caused by financial constraints.
A viral video of Denver Mukamba announcing his return — promising to give his all and urging fans to fill the stands — reignited hope ahead of the clash.
Yet, given Dembare’s dire form and lack of firepower upfront, few gave them a chance. MWOS, who themselves had managed just three points from their last five matches, were under pressure from kick-off. When Shadreck Nyahwa received a second yellow card in the 70th minute to reduce Dynamos to ten men, many expected MWOS to seize the initiative — but they failed to make the advantage count.
The decisive moment came when Abubakar Moffat fouled Jairos Kasondo inside the box, earning Dynamos a penalty. Temptation Chiwunga stepped up to take the spot-kick after captain Emmanuel Jalai and Mukamba entrusted him with the task — and he calmly slotted home to send Rufaro into raptures.
MWOS applied a lot of offensive pressure as they searched for a winner but Dynamos goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa produced a standout performance, pulling off vital saves and distributing the ball superbly to keep MWOS at bay throughout the match.
Mukamba was later mobbed by ecstatic fans who appreciated his energy and leadership on the pitch. The win rekindles hope for Dynamos, who have been hovering precariously close to the relegation zone for weeks.
Sakunda is reportedly stepped in and is not taking care of players bonuses abd outstanding payments, developments which have boosted moral in the Dembare camp. Vocal former Dembare captain and assistant coach, Murape Murape thanked the sponsors for bailing the team ahead of this match.
“What Sakunda and Pan Jap have done in helping to pay the players’ dues is commendable, and it shows that with sound leadership and management that values players and coaches, the team can achieve great things and build a strong sense of community and camaraderie,” Murape said.
At Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane, big-spending and star-studded Scotland FC stunned Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum, thrashing the reigning champions 5–2 in front of their stunned home supporters. Scotland’s belief was buoyed by blockbuster signings in the recent transfer window, including Knowledge Musona — who reunited with Khama Billiat — along with Terrence Dzvukamanja, Ronald Pfumbidzai, and Walter Musona.
A costly error by the FC Platinum goalkeeper in the 48th minute handed Tymon Machope his second goal, as the keeper failed to clear the ball and gifted it to the striker outside the box. The mistake has sparked whispers of possible match-fixing — but then again, errors like this are part and parcel of football.
The crushing defeat dented FC Platinum’s title defence hopes and signalled Scotland’s serious intent to challenge for honours this season. Sir Wicknell Chivhayo reportedly splashed out a $100,000 bonus for the players and $10,000 for the coach after the emphatic win.
Meanwhile, Simba Bhora edged Chicken Inn 1–0 to keep their title ambitions firmly on track. Tonderai Ndiraya’s men have demonstrated their championship credentials and currently sit at the top of the table.
Elsewhere, TelOne — the ‘WiFi Boys’ — fell 1–0 to Manica Diamonds, while ZPC Kariba lost 0–1 to GreenFuel. Yadah and Triangle United played out a goalless draw in a match that did little to ease either side’s relegation worries.
