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Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
DYNAMOS coach, Lloyd Chigowe, has voiced serious concerns about his team’s readiness for the upcoming 2025 Castle Challenge Cup, scheduled for 22 February at Rufaro Stadium. The match, featuring the 2024 Chibuku Super Cup winners Dynamos against league champions Simba Bhora, will mark the official start of the local football season.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Chigowe stressed the importance of proper preparation and the need for a thoughtful periodisation plan for all teams before competition begins. The coach pointed out that the current timeline is not conducive to optimal team readiness, with just a few weeks before the start of the season.
“Last time when we attended a PSL workshop, we discussed how those setting the dates for the start of the league must be aware of the periodisation programme, which requires a minimum of seven to eight weeks before the competition period. I believe there is a need for someone to provide technical input to the organisers of these competitions. We must avoid rushing teams into competition. Right now, we are bringing a half-baked product to market.”
Chigowe oversaw 20 games in all competitions as the Glamour Boys finished eighth in the league last season and won the Chibuku Super Cup. During that period, the team won 10, drew five, and lost five, giving Chigowe a 50 percent win ratio. More importantly, the Glamour Boys defended the Chibuku Super Cup title by beating Ngezi Platinum Stars in a thrilling final at Rufaro Stadium.
Dynamos are currently undergoing a rebuilding phase, with several new signings, including 21-year-old Ghanaian Frank Agyemang, Leeroy Mavhunga, Tapiwa Masango from Dynamos Under-20, Tellmore Pio from ZPC Kariba, and Farai Mutatu, formerly of LA Galaxy.
Dynamos have lost several senior players, including captain Frank Makarati, Ghanaian Emmanuel Paga, Namibian forward Sadney Urikhob, Kelvin and Elvis Moyo, Donald Mudadi, Issa Sadiki, Tanaka Shandirwa, Shadreck Nyahwa, Emmanuel Ziocha, and Congolese striker Eli Ilunga.
“We are making additions to the team, and our rebuild is on course, but we need more time to ensure the team is fine-tuned,” said Chigowe.
Dynamos have also made changes to their backroom staff, with the return of Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda as team manager and former Harare City coach Mark Mathe taking over as Chigowe’s assistant. These changes signal the club’s intent to build a solid foundation for the upcoming season, but Chigowe remains cautious about the rushed start.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has yet to release the full 2025 season fixtures. — @innocentskizoe
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