The Sunday Mail
GOOD times are rolling at Dynamos and Lloyd Mutasa is in a good place.
While DeMbare struggled to raise a team this time last season, 2018 has started on a positive note and the Glamour Boys are set for one of their best pre-seasons in recent years.
Dynamos will camp in Nyanga for five days after the Harare giants struck a deal last Friday with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, the owners of Nyanga National Park.
DeMbare are set to leave for Nyanga tomorrow morning after playing two friendly matches against Division One side Mushowani and former Premier League side Buffaloes at Rufaro in the afternoon.
The camp comes in time for Dynamos’ first meeting with arch-rivals Caps United in the ZNA Commanders Charity Shield semi clash set for the National Sports next weekend.
Dynamos boss Keni Mubaiwa confirmed the Zimparks deal and expressed gratitude for “the timely shot in the arm”.
“These are exciting times for the club and a timely massive boost for Dynamos as we prepare for the 2018 Premier Soccer League season.
“As Dynamos, we really appreciate the gesture shown by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and we are hopeful that this is the beginning of a long-lasting relationship. Zimparks engage in various activities which include wildlife conservation and Dynamos, being the big institution it is, should also be championing such important national programmes,” Mubaiwa said.
Zimparks public relations manager Tinashe Farawo said his organisation’s partnership with Dynamos is the beginning of bigger things to come.
“We are very excited to be partnering with such a big brand as Dynamos. We hope this the beginning of a long-lasting relationship that will benefit both parties,” said Farawo.
“We believe Dynamos can be Zimparks’ brand ambassadors in our drive to fight poaching, promote sports tourism and sustainably conserve our wildlife.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to protect our wildlife for the benefit of future generations.”
The Sunday Mail understands that a similar deal could be extended to Highlanders.
After finishing second behind FC Platinum last season, Dynamos feel they are in a better place to win the 2018 league title as they have added a number of experienced players to their squad.
Attacking midfielders Raphael Manuvire and Marvelous Mukumba, former Warriors right-back Blessing “Bisto” Moyo, utility player James Marufu and centre-back Jimmy Tigere will be in Nyanga this week for the bonding session.
On the other hand, lion-hearted right-back Peace Makaha has been ruled out of action until mid-March and will likely miss Dynamos’ first three matches of the 2018 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Gift Saunyama is also battling an ankle injury and will miss today’s friendly matches.
DeMbare coach Mutasa will this afternoon throw into the fray son of former Dynamos’ dribbling wizard Mugove Munyorovi, Leeroy, while former Chegutu Pirates keeper Simba Chinani will start in the match against Mushowani Stars.
“Everything is going on smoothly and I would like to thank the executive for the support they are giving us.
“Everyone is happy and raring to go, we can’t fault the executive.”
