RONALD Chitiyo and Masimba Mambare seem to have settled in seamlessly at champions Dynamos.
BY WELLINGTON TONI SPORTS EDITOR
And they made their effect more telling in erasing their early exit from the Orange Caf Champions League with the two goals that sunk Highlanders in the Bob90 Super Cup final at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
Dynamos coach Kalisto Pasuwa told the media after the match that the victory was a relief after the African Safari.
“This is a good result for us especially after our exit from the Champions League,” he said.
In fact, Chitiyo could have completed a double later in the second half, but his effort was ruled offside, marginally though by the second assistant referee Stella Ruvinga, as he seemed to be onside when the ball was played from television replays.
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Chitiyo, formerly of Monomotapa, has had trials at various South African sides, including giants Orlando Pirates, and lost his place in the Warriors squad, but has not let that get into his head as he bossed the Highlanders midfield like a veteran.
He was deservedly named man-of-the-match.
Mambare, who has also seen duty at relegated former champions Motor Action, moved to Dynamos at the expiry of his contract with Highlanders at the end of last season, and was at his usual best against his former paymasters.
His move was met with a lot of criticism, but he was a free agent and looking to play in the Champions League.
He lost the Warriors captaincy to new teammate Patson Jaure, but that has not affected his performance at all.
Sunday’s result against Bosso was largely expected.
Highlanders have struggled to beat Dynamos in the last eight years and from four league matches in the last two seasons, they have only managed three draws and a loss under coach Kelvin Kaindu.
The last time Bosso beat Dynamos was 2-0 at Barbourfields Stadium in 2006 via a Vusa Nyoni double — also the same year that they won their last league title. Sunday’s match also revealed a lot of depth in the Dynamos ranks.
Devon Chafa, Murape Murape and Tawanda Muparati did not play in the match.
Thomas Magorimbo has made the Dynamos faithfuls forget about the departure of Gift Bello to FC Platinum.
There is Anesu Gondo and given more game time, he will be a player to watch this season.
Goalkeeper George Chigova will be leaving for SuperSport United in South Africa in June, but they have a ready replacement in Artwell Mukandi.
Farayi Mupasiri, who was facing the exit and Clive Kawinga, are seemingly rejuvenated and once again, Dynamos will be the team to beat this season as they launch an onslaught on a fourth consecutive league title.