Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS will become the first team to win the Chibuku Super Cup twice in a row if they beat Ngezi Platinum Stars in the final showdown at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow.
The tie is a repeat of last year’s final which the Glamour Boys came out 2-0 winners at Baobab Stadium to claim the honours for the first time since the re-introduction of the tournament a decade ago.
And club vice-captain Emmanuel Jalai, who is flying with the stars after he was voted into the league’s best 11 players on Wednesday, wants to put the icing on the cake by claiming the country’s biggest knockout tournament which also comes with a ticket to the Caf Confederations Cup.
While DeMbare won the title last season and played in the second tier of the Caf club competitions, Ngezi Platinum also competed in the continental arena in the Caf Champions League after winning the 2023 league race.
Both teams did not fare well in Africa with Ngezi Platinum chickening out in the preliminary round and Dynamos in the second.
With the championship already won by Simba Bhora this season, it means the prospects are totally different going into the final this time around unlike last season when both teams went for the tie knowing fully that they were going to play in Africa.
This time around, one of them will miss out and Jalai isn’t entertaining those thoughts.
“There is a lot going into this final against Ngezi Platinum. Look, the last time out, we went into that match totally relaxed and without any pressure whatsoever because we knew we had already qualified to play in the Caf Confederation Cup given that Ngezi Platinum had already sealed the championship.
“We knew even if we lost the game, we were still going to play in Africa so we played without any pressure whatsoever and we won,” said Jalai.
“It’s a different ball game altogether now. First and foremost, we believe we have unfinished business in the Caf Confederation Cup. Look at the way we surrendered our first-leg lead against Orapa United of Botswana who then went on to eliminate us in the second round.
“It was disheartening and painful. But we have a chance to come back and atone for the disappointment. The only way back is by beating Ngezi Platinum in the final on Saturday (tomorrow).
“Besides those continental prospects, we also need to win this one and become the first team to win the Chibuku Super Cup twice in a row. We are Dynamos and we need those records and this is the ideal time for us to do that.”
On being nominated amongst the best players in the league, Jalai said;
“I am excited and happy to have made it on the calendar. This is my first time and I have no one to thank but my teammates who complement me in every move that I make.
“I would like to thank my coaches as well and of course Dynamos fans for the role they played in my dream season. I just hope the excitement will propel me into inspiring the Glamour Boys to victory in the Chibuku Super Cup.”
Winger Valentine Kadonzvo, who was on the losing side last season when he was with Ngezi Platinum, said he was looking forward to the final.
He has been down with an injury but has fully recovered in time for the clash.
“I am ready to face my former team and claim victory. As Dynamos, we wish to play in the Caf Confederation Cup again,” said Kadonzvo.
“Everyone is keen and the desire is palpable. The guys are raring to go and we will be eager to win it.”
Kadonzvo will be looking to score in his second Chibuku Super Cup after also finishing the season as the club’s top scorer with five goals.
