DYNAMOS coach Lloyd Mutasa believes Denver Mukamba’s return to form could trigger his team’s revival as they look to string a run of positive results following their weekend victory over Harare City.
BY HENRY MHARA
The Harare giants beat their city rivals 2-1 to end a six-match winless streak in the Premier Soccer League that had put Mutasa’s job on the line.
Mukamba, the 2012 Soccer Star of the Year winner, who was left out of the squad last week for alleged ill-discipline, scored a brilliant goal that set DeMbare on course for a win.
Stand-in captain Ocean Mushure then ensured maximum points for Mutasa’s men from the penalty spot after Jerry Chipangura had equalised for City.
Having been criticised for his poor performances since returning from an unsuccessful stint in South Africa that coincided with the team’s loss of form, Mukamba went into the match under much scrutiny.
He was left out of last week’s final squad together with other senior players captain Stephen Alimenda, Roderick Mutuma, Dominic Mukandi and goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva, as claims of ill-discipline and sabotage emerged from the Dynamos camp.
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Mukamba and Mukuruva were restored into the team this weekend, while Alimenda came in from the bench. Mutuma and Mukandi failed to make the final squad.
It was the overall performance of Mukamba, playing in an unusual role upfront, that left Mutasa a satisfied man. “Mukamba was a marvel to watch at training and it would have been folly for us not to pick him,” Mutasa said. “His performance was a true reflection of the work he had put out during the week at training and I’m happy for him. He can be key for the team going forward and if he can improve from what he gave on Sunday, the better for the team.” Mutasa also had special praise for Alimenda, whom he introduced at half-time, and the anchorman added the much-needed stability that allowed players like Mukamba free rein up front.
“He is a hard worker and we don’t doubt his capabilities. He made a mistake for Harare City’s goal, but thereafter he played really well and his experience in leading the youngsters was very important.”
Mutasa defended his decision to reinvent Mukamba and his son Wisdom to operate at the tip of the attack. “We managed to hold on to the ball well, had good combination play and created more chances than we have done in the past few games. There were some very positive signs from that match and that kind of performance is something that we would be looking for going forward.” DeMbare date Tonderai Ndiraya’s Ngezi Platinum in their next match on Sunday.
Mutasa said Mutuma missed the match because of illness, but defender Sydney Linyama could find himself in trouble after missing the team’s training sessions for the last two weeks without official leave.
The victory over Harare City saw Dynamos returning to fourth position on the log with 31 points, 11 off log leaders FC Platinum and one behind third-placed Highlanders.
