Dynamos goalkeeper Washington Arubi has admitted the destiny of the Castle Lager Premier League title is no longer in their hands but their impending clash with log leaders FC Platinum will decide their fate.
FC Platinum opened a three-point gap at the top of the log with a 1-0 win over Shabanie Mine in a tension-filled Zvishavane derby on Sunday to take their points tally to 52, on the same day Dynamos were held to a goalless draw by Hwange after Martin Vengesayi’s goal was disallowed for a handball.
After the weekend results, the matrix is now complicated for Dynamos. They now have to win all their remaining three matches and will clinch the title without looking at other results elsewhere.
The Harare giants’ next league encounter is against other title aspirants Motor Action at Rufaro, with initial indications showing that the match will be played on Wednesday next week to accommodate the Mbada Diamonds Cup semi-final matches this weekend.
Next up for Dynamos will be the clash that has already been billed as the title decider against FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium, before completing their season with a match against their bogey side Kiglon.
As for the log leaders, besides Dynamos, they have got what looks on paper an easy run-in as they travel to Monomotapa next before ending their season with a home match against Shooting Stars.
However, while the two matches look very easy for the Zvishavane-based side, history will show that games against relegation-threatened teams are the most dangerous ones.
Shooting Stars are deep in the relegation zone on 15th position with 24 points while Monomotapa, on 11th position with 32 points, are not yet safe.
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Dynamos’ other two matches, against the Mighty Bulls and Kiglon Bird need no further emphasis.
Motor Action are on third position with 45 points, and despite their shocking slump in recent weeks, they surely will not surrender their title without a fight. Kiglon are already in the drop zone, but will no doubt want to spoil the broth.
Arubi is well aware of the significance of all the three matches, but said the clash against FC Platinum, captained by former Dynamos target Zephaniah Ngodzo, would decide the destiny of the league title at the end of the season.
“Contrary to what many people are saying that we lost two points in Hwange, in actual fact we gained a point there. It’s not easy to go to Hwange and come back with maximum points.
“We created many chances and could have won the match, but still the team should be applauded for coming out in that match with that crucial point,” said Arubi.
He added: “All the three remaining matches are important, but the match at Mandava will be more crucial. Motor Action are not in their best form at the moment, but we cannot underrate them because teams generally rise to the occasion whenever they are playing us so we will be on guard for them.
“But if there is one match we have to win at all costs it’s that one against FC Platinum. Even if we lose or win against Motor Action, the FC Platinum game will decide who will win the title. We will give all the matches equal attention though because there could be danger in giving priority the match against FC Platinum that can backfire badly.
“There is no doubt FC Platinum have an advantage because they are on top of the log, but the race is still on. We still have hope and I believe we are going to win the title. The point we gained in Hwange could even prove to be decisive,” said Arubi.
The Dynamos goalkeeper, however, said his team had temporarily shifted attention to the Mbada Diamonds Cup semi-final match this weekend, ironically against FC Platinum.
The big match has been set for Bulawayo’s Barbourfields Stadium while the other semi-final clash between Zimbabwe Saints and Motor Action will be played at Sakubva in Mutare.
