DYNAMOS have shifted their focus to Sunday's Battle of Zimbabwe against arch-rivals Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium, buoyed by a resurgence in form that has revived hopes of ending a decade-long winless run against Bosso.
DeMbare delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, brushing aside TelOne 3-0 at Rufaro Stadium. Goals from Shadreck Nyahwa, Frank Agyemang and Leeroy Mavunga secured a comfortable win and injected fresh optimism ahead of the country's biggest football fixture.
After surviving a relegation scare on the final day of last season, Dynamos are enjoying a far more productive campaign this year.
The Harare giants currently sit sixth on the league table with 29 points from 17 matches, eight points behind leaders and defending champions Scottland FC, who have played a game more.
Dynamos are also awaiting a Premier Soccer League ruling on their abandoned match against Hardrock last month. The game was called off due to crowd trouble with the score tied at 1-1.
Highlanders have enjoyed a similar resurgence. After also battling relegation last season, Bosso now occupy seventh position, just one point behind Dynamos, although they have played an extra match.
Recent form gives the Glamour Boys a slight advantage. Dynamos are unbeaten in their last six matches, recording three wins and three draws. Highlanders have registered three wins, one draw, and one defeat over the same period.
However, history paints a different picture for Dynamos, who have struggled in this fixture for the past decade. Their last victory over Highlanders in open play came in June 2015 when they secured a 3-2 win in Harare.
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Since then, Dynamos' only two victories against Bosso have come through boardroom decisions. They were awarded 3-0 walkovers in May 2017 and September 2023 after both matches were abandoned due to crowd trouble.
Highlanders have won five of the subsequent encounters, while nine matches have ended in draws.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side in Bulawayo.
"It's not going to be an easy game altogether, but we have to apply ourselves positively," he said.
"Playing at Barbourfields is not a new environment for us. The opponents are very good. They are doing well and playing very good football. We need to go back and see how best we can counter them and make sure that, at the end of the day, we win that game."
Mangombe identified defending set pieces as an area requiring improvement.
"Our problem was the way we were defending some of the set pieces, crosses, and corner kicks. If we improve in that area, I think we are going to be a force to reckon with."
The Dynamos coach also addressed the recent instability in his goalkeeping department, attributing it to the pressure that comes with representing the club.
"When you play for Dynamos, and when you work for Dynamos, the job comes with a lot of pressure. Some of the guys are failing to adjust to that pressure," Mangombe said.
"If you make a silly mistake and then make another mistake in the next game, you are going to have problems with the fans. We need competition on this team. If you don't keep a clean sheet, we play the other goalkeeper. That way, competition remains stiff, and everyone will want to be in the starting 11."
Despite the challenges, Mangombe is pleased with the progress his side has made this season.
"If you look at last season, the team was struggling from the outset. Now, we are doing our best, and we are not fighting relegation. We are also in the top eight. It means we are doing very well."
