The Sunday Mail
Ishemunyoro Chingwere – Sports Reporter
Returning Dynamos coach David “Yogi” Mandigora says he will be able to gauge whether the champions are in a position to launch an assault on an unprecedented fifth league title after this weekend’s visit to Gweru for two friendly matches against Chapungu and newly promoted Whawha.
The 1980 Soccer Star of the Year ended his almost half a decade touchline sabbatical when he replaced success-laced Kallisto Pasuwa at the helm of the country’s most successful club.
With a 30 points target in the first half of the season, the DeMbare leadership is likely to frown should “Yogi” fail to defend the league crown, but the gaffer says he will use this weekend’s doubleheader in the Midlands capital to run the ruler of his charges’ pedigree to obliterate a four consecutive league title record they share with bitter rivals Highlanders.
Having ended DeMbare’s decade long wait for league glory in 2007 — a convincing nine points clear of second placed Highlanders — Mandigora is a schemer of proven witty. “I have been away attending a course so I think I will be able to give you a satisfactory answer (on DeMbare’s prospects of defending the league) next (this) week after our two friendly matches against Chapungu and Whawha.
“We are building a team and it is for that reason that I say the two friendly matches will afford us an opportunity to assess what we have and possibly make corrective adjustments where possible.
“We have registered some players, a mixture of youngsters and some experienced guys, but it’s only a provisional squad so we still have time to make adjustments and additions,” said Mandigora.
The foundation on which Pasuwa built his success has been decimated and the unavailability of veteran skipper Murape Murape, who was asked to hang his boots by the club, will pave way for a new beginning under Mandigora. Murape’s deputy and 2013 Soccer Star of the Year — midfielder Tawanda Muparati — has left for Luke Masomere’s How Mine together with Devon Chafa.
Utility players Tafadzwa Rusike and Thomas Magorimbo as well as Rodrick Mutuma and defender Themba Ndlovu have all been shunted out.
They have, however, not been shot of replacements swooping on the services of former Warriors leftback Qadr Amini who joined from FC Platinum.
Highly rated forward Kelvin Bulaji has crossed the great divide from Caps United following in the footsteps of other exciting strikers like Tonderai “TKZee” Mutambikwa and Gift Mudangwe who did the same in the 90s. Bulaji burst onto the scene when he tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to join the big time European leagues but is hugely expected to strike gold with DeMbare having flattered to deceive at Makepekepe.
Goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga, defenders Godknows Murwira, Carlos Rusere and Nigel Gandani as well as Dominic Chungwa are expected to give Mandigora the much needed amour on his mainstream football return.
“Yogi”, last week, said he fully appreciates the challenge that lies ahead but was quick to say he will still give it his best and hoping success will follow.
“I am always under pressure (to win) and at Dynamos the pressure cooker is constantly at boiling point. When I took this job I knew what awaited me but will try my level best,” said Mandigora.
