Category: General

Football Icons Hail Dembare New Kit Deal

VARIOUS football personalities have congratulated Dynamos Football Club for the new kit partnership they unveiled with On The Ball Sports, through the LOOKS brand, at a glitzy function yesterday saying it is a milestone event in the history of the club and local football in general.

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The country’s biggest and most successful club, announced yesterday they had signed a three-year kit sponsorship deal with a UK-based sports equipment and apparel manufacturer, On The Ball through their brand LOOKS.

Sportscaster Barry Manandi, who graced the occasion, tweeted his congratulations to the Glamour Boys; “Congratulations to Dynamos and OTB LOOKS for launching their new partnership! From this training shirt, plenty of reasons to be excited about the future for Chazunguza fans”

Fellow sportscaster Mike Madoda said the LOOKS brand is top quality. “The one thing I’ll say about about LOOKS Sportswear is that Dynamos are gonna be looking good, its top quality gear. It might be a relatively unknown brand, but their quality and some of the designs are right up there.”

Fellow PSL club Bulawayo Chiefs sent in a brief message, “Congratulations our brothers Dynamos FC on your kit sponsorship. We celebrate with you”

Former Caps Utd player and ZiFM presenter Alois Bunjira saluted Dembare Chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa for spearheading the kit deal. “Dynamos FC kwakuseri guys. Yes they launched their Technical partnership with the top top sports brand LOOKS.

“I had a glimpse of the kits and the regalia they are getting. Haa vanenge vakachena boys dzangu. The official launch was professional. I see Dynamos going places with this kind of professionalism. Sure Mr Mupfurutsa has engaged the top professionalism gear.

“I see many more corporate partners coming in to join Dynamos. Remmington Gold are their principal partners and they have had a great relationship already thus far. LOOKS will bring the good looks to the partnership. I see my sister Yvonne Tendai has settled in well at the club,” said Bunjira.

Coach Tonderai Ndiraya says the coming in of such corporates will certainly make his job easier as his team aims to reclaim their lost glory.

“As members of the technical team, we are very excited by this kit sponsorship deal,’’ said Ndiraya. “We are grateful to the sponsors who have come on board.

“One most important aspect of looking good is that the players get to gain more confidence and that would even manifest in the field of play.”

“What is happening at Dynamos right now is something that we have to appreciate,’’ said Ndiraya.

“The developments show that more and more corporates are showing a great deal of confidence in Dynamos.

Dynamos patron, Webster Shamu hailed the Glamour Boys leadership for their efforts in taking the leading role in professionalising sport in the country.

“What has happened today is a reflection of the realities of what Dynamos Football Club is all about,’’ said Shamu.

“I think that today we have witnessed an event which is reflective of the fact that Dynamos have moved on to another level in terms of organisation and administration.

“It’s a reflection that Dynamos is not going backwards, we are moving forward.

“Apparently, we were affected by Covid-19 but we are determined to succeed and we have seen the efforts being put in place by the Dynamos football leadership headed by Bernard Lusengo-Marriot.

The new partnership will see the England-based sportswear manufacturer supplying DeMbare with playing kits, training kits, travelling gear, club replicas and merchandise.

The first consignment of the team’s playing, and training equipment, is expected tomorrow while the replicas are set to arrive in the country in the next three weeks.

 

Yvonne Mangunda Now Dynamos Marketing Manager

Former Star FM presenter Yvonne Mangunda is the new Marketing And Communications Manager at Dynamos Football Club.

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The broadcaster took to Twitter to announce her new post after quitting the top radio station last week after serving for eight years.

The First Lady Of Sport tweeted: “As my chapter with Star FM concludes, a new season has begun. I am now the Marketing and Communications Manager for the biggest club in Zimbabwe, Dynamos.

“It’s a privilege to have been headhunted by the most supported team, with the most titles in Zimbabwe.”

Yvonne joins other female football administrators in the PSL who include Chido Chizondo of FC Platinum and Harare City’s CEO Tafadzwa Bhasera.

Murwira Speaks On Weight Gain And Return To Football

DYNAMOS utility player Godknows Murwira has spoken on his battles with weight gain during his rehabilitation from a nasty injury and has also thanked the club for footing all bills during the operation.

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“Of course, Covid-19, as you know, is a bad thing and it shut the game. Our profession is football and without the game we obviously suffer physically and mentally.

“But for me the long break in football gave me some time to get operated on and some time to recover as well

“I am now fully fit and I have been training alone at home for the past two weeks. I am very happy for that, but I have lots of work to do ahead of me.

“Firstly, I have become weighty for obvious reasons.

“I haven’t been able do proper football exercises because I have been in a lot of pain.

“It is something that I have had to live with, but it has been very painful.

“I was operated on some four or so months ago and the wound took some time to heal so I have been sitting, doing nothing waiting for it to fully recover.

“I am now fit, but I have started with weight training. I have to shed a lot of kilos which I have accumulated as a result of the prolonged rest.

“We are athletes you know and we don’t have to be sitting doing nothing like I have been for the past three or so months.

“So the past two weeks have been hard for me as I have been running non-stop wearing uncomfortable clothes to lose weight.

“I definitely cannot complain. The commitment has helped me a lot. I had become weighty but now I am almost back in shape

“I am almost there now. I need to keep on working and all things being equal I should be joining my teammates for routine football training very soon, I would have shaped up.”

“I am not talking much about my parent club FC Platinum now. But, what I can say is I am out to rediscover myself.

“I am very happy at Dynamos who footed all the bills for me to get treated after suffering that nasty injury.

“I am willing to work and repay them with my heart in the field of play.”

Dembare Official Kit To Be Unveiled Soon

DYNAMOS Football Club have refuted widespread speculation that the kit (pictured) worn by players at their ongoing social responsibility programmes and training sessions is the official playing kit for the Harare giants.

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DeMbare Chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa says Dynamos will, infact, unveil their official 2020 playing kits in the coming weeks.

The Premier Soccer League management recently revealed that the 2020 season is provisionally set to be played in a mini league “bubble” format.

The 21-time champions are ticking all the right boxes at a time when some financially struggling local clubs are feeling the full impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

But for the usually problem-ridden club, what was largely expected to be a tough year for them has in fact turned out to be a fairly smooth sail for the club, all thanks to principal sponsors Gold Leaf Tobacco.

The DeMbare boss clarified the matter, “Contrary to what most people think, the kit that was widely circulated on social media about two weeks ago is not the official kit that will be used by the team but it’s part of regalia that players will use during social responsibility initiatives.

“We are involved in so many social responsibility programmes in partnership with our sponsors RG-Gold Leaf Tobacco and our players must be identifiable when doing non-profit work in communities,” explained Mupfurutsa.

“The official kit will be unveiled in a few weeks.” 

“Now that football has been given the green light to resume, we are forging ahead with plans to unveil a brand manufactured official kit that will be used in the mini league format that is being proposed by the PSL,” he said.

Turning to the DeMbare/ RG-Gold Leaf Tobacco partnership that has seen the club resemble a smooth sailing ship, Mupfurutsa said the club was in a good space and would continue to strive to improve the welfare of its players.

“We are in a good space, we can’t complain. Our sponsors have been very generous by making sure we navigate through these difficult times as our players are paid on time and did not have to worry about pay cuts when other clubs were struggling to keep afloat.

“We are in the first two years of a five-year deal and the relationship between the club and our sponsors keeps growing,” he added.

Diya Relishing Keepers’ Challenge

VETERAN goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya is relishing the challenge posed by his colleagues in the goalkeeping department at the Glamour Boys and is keen to work hard and challenge for the number 1 jersey.

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Competition for the number 1 jersey at DeMbare has heightened with the coming in of Taimon Mvula who is set to add competition between the sticks.

Simba Chinani was the regular goalkeeper at the Harare giants last season and is still around, for now.

Diya says he has a lot to offer having had stints with the Dynamos, How Mine and Highlanders.

The experienced goalminder believes through hard work, he can challenge for the number 1 jersey despite facing stiff competition from Mvula and Chinani, a scenario he says is healthy for the club.

”Obviously we have quality personnel between the posts and for me it is a challenge and that is what football is all about.

“I will just do my part in terms of contributing to the team and it is obviously good for the team knowing that they have quality players in the goalkeeping department”, said Diya.

Chinani is rated as one of the top goalkeepers in the country and usually provides regular service to the local-based national team.

Former Hwange goalminder Taimon Mvula is also highly rated having commanded the number one jersey at the coalminers for several years.

With Diya also available this leaves the Glamour Boys with a healthy situation between the posts.

There is a similiar scenario of competition in other positions after the club acquired several top players.

Tanaka Chidhoba, Tinotenda Chiunye, Albert Eonde, Byron Madzokere, Sylvester Appiah and Juan Mutudza are among several signings made by DeMbare.


Ghanaian Appiah Very Happy At DeMbare

DYNAMOS’ Ghanaian recruit, Sylvester Appiah says he is happy at the country’s biggest club and cannot wait to play.

Defender Appiah joined the Harare giants, from ZPC Kariba, where he had spent five seasons.

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“I am very happy to be part of the country’s biggest team and it is a dream move for me,’’ Appiah said.

He said it was always his ambition to play for DeMbare.

“When I came here, and joined Twalumba, our first pre-match friendly was against Shabanie in a double header that had Dynamos playing in the afternoon,’’ he said.

“I could feel the atmosphere changed as they came out of the tunnel.

“The team has a huge following, which gives us players pressure not to disappoint.

“When you play before huge crowds, it improves your confidence and that is the challenge we need as players.

“I am now looking forward to turn out for the side and prove what I am capable of doing.’’

Appiah says he was influenced by his countryman, George Owusu, to join the Glamour Boys.

Owusu played for DeMbare and was part of the team that reached the CAF Champions League final in 1998.

“Growing up, we had players like Owusu who played for the club and that influenced me a lot.

“When I was approached, I checked with Owusu and he encouraged me to take the offer, which I did.

“There is a lot more to come and I believe Dynamos will help me a lot.’’

The Ghanaian said Dynamos have been supportive, even though he hasn’t played for them since he arrived at the club.

“Covid-19 affected everyone and there was nothing we could do but follow the guidelines,’’ he said.

“I am fortunate enough that my club is taking care of me, through our sponsors, and I cannot complain.

“It is everyone’s wish to visit his homeland after some time and you occasionally miss home but I am managing.

“My wish is to use Dynamos as a stepping stone to much bigger leagues and, given the opportunity, I know it is possible,” added Appiah.

The gangly defender joined Dynamos together with highly-rated midfielder Tinotenda Chiunye who has the potential to explode into the real deal.

Glamour Boys In Community Outreach In Mbare

DYNAMOS are today scheduled to take part in a community outreach programme in Mbare where they are expected to distribute food hampers to vulnerable senior citizens, with the backing of their anchor sponsors, Remington Gold.

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Club Chief Executive Jonathan Mashingaidze said the visit to Mbare was an epic reminder of the team’s rich roots.

DeMbare were formed in Mbare in 1963 and have maintained Rufaro Stadium in the heart of the suburb, as their home ground over the years.

Mashingaidze said they have identified households which will benefit from the club’s goodwill.

“Life has been difficult for everyone because of Covid-19,’’ he said.

“So, we would want to make sure that we reach out, to our fan base, and extend a helping hand to the elderly and needy.

“We have identified some needy households and it’s not necessarily going to be Dynamos fans only.

“Football brings us together so we have to be good neighbours with everyone who needs a helping hand.

“Besides, this one is an iconic visit.

“The venue of the event, Mai Musodzi Hall, is also befitting because of the work that Mai Musodzi did for the needy, and vulnerable, of the society.

“As a club, we also wish to make a positive impact in the society that we come from.’’

Mashingaidze said DeMbare will always remain a big part of Mbare.

“Remember Mbare is where it all began back for Dynamos back in 1963. Dynamos made Mbare the ceremonial home of football,’’ he said.

“So, we are simply retracing the footsteps of our founding fathers, and trying to give back to that same community, in our own small way.

“But, this is an ongoing programme and we are hoping to reach out to many other areas, with the help of our supporters’ chapters.

“This is one of the social corporate responsibility activities that we have undertaken as a club, with the backing of our anchor sponsors, Remington Gold.”

Mashingaidze said they were hoping to connect with their fan base, who have been deprived of football this year, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, they have been forced to limit the numbers of the people at the event because of the Covid-19 restrictions.

The Glamour Boys have selected only 11 players, and a few officials from the club and sponsors, for the tour.

“We would have wanted to have a bigger road show, if it was possible,’’ said Mashingaidze.

“But, because of the Covid-19 restrictions, we are limiting numbers.

“There will only be 11 players at the event.

“Of course, among those players we have selected for that, are those who were born and bred in Mbare and they are going to be part of the activities.

“So, you will see people like Munyaradzi Diya, Kudzanayi Dhemere, Tanaka Chidhobha and Jarison Selemani.

“The programme is going to be brief and we will follow the Covid-19 protocol to the letter and our security will help with ensuring people have face masks and are practicing good hand hygiene.”

DeMbare Ranked 13th In Africa

TWENTY ONE time Zimbabwe football champions Dynamos FC have been ranked on 13th place on the African continent by one of the world’s leading data collection football sites.

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This is despite the fact that the Glamour Boys have not won a league title in the last six years and are in the midst of their second longest barren run, in search of the league championship since their formation in 1963.

This dry spell matches a similar fruitless six-year search, without a league title, between 1970 and 1976.

However, their longest barren spell remains the 10 years the club spent staggering in the darkness, without being champions, between 1997 and 2007.

They have virtually disappeared from the jungles of continental inter-club football, where they used to be one of the regular participants, usually punching way above their weight, if one considered their lack of resources.

A magical run into the final of the CAF Champions League in 1998 represented the high point of their battles on the continent.

Then, a dozen years ago, David Mandigora also took them on a merry run, in the same tournament, as they reached the semi-finals.

British newspaper, The Guardian, even hailed their tale as world sport’s finest achievements that year.

Since Callisto Pasuwa left, having led them to four straight league titles, the best they have done, was when they finished second to FC Platinum in the 2017 championship race.

Only two points separated the top two clubs and DeMbare were comfortably clear of third-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars, with five points separating them from that chasing pack.

However, providing the blue sandwich, for the two platinum-backed clubs, painted the picture of the changing landscape, on the domestic football scene.

Superiority would now be determined, not by legacy, but by the size of the bank account.

Although the Glamour Boys have since faded from the continental radar, they have been ranked the 13th top club in Africa by one of the world’s leading data collection football sites, footballdatabase.com.

“FootballDatabase uses the adapted Elo Rating formula and applies it to a number of important football club competitions around the globe, with the aim to provide fans a mathematical ranking of World Football Clubs (taking) into consideration:

The team’s old rating

The considered weight of the tournament

The goal difference of the match

The result of the match

The expected result of the match

FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Champions League and Copa Libertadores

AFC Champions League, CAF Champions League, CONCACAF Champions League, Europa League and the Copa Sudamericana

OFC Champions League

“The different weights of national competitions, ratings tend to converge on a team’s true strength, relative to its competitors after about 30 matches.’’

According to the Footballdatabase rankings released this month, Egyptian powerhouse, Al Ahly, are the top club on the continent.

They are followed, in that order, in the top 10 by Esperance (2), TP Mazembe (3), Al Merreikh (4), Al Hilal (5), Zamalek (6), Etoile du Sahel (7), Wydad Casablanca (8), Raja Casablanca (9) and Mamelodi Sundowns (10).

CS Sfaxien (11), Vita Club (12), Dynamos (13), Primero de Agosto (14), Stade Malien (15), Orlando Pirates (16), Kaizer Chiefs (17), Djoliba (18), Atletico Petro Luanda (19) and Bidvest Wits (20) make their top 20.

Highlanders (33), Gunners (43), Chicken Inn (54), CAPS United (63), FC Platinum (72) and Hwange (86) are the other Zimbabwean clubs ranked in their top 100 on the continent.    

Footballdatabase rivals, Soccerverse, have Al Ahly as the leading African club followed by TP Mazembe 92); Esperance 93); Zamalek (4); Sundowns (5); DC Motemba Pembe (6); Wydad Casablanca (7); Raja Casablanca (8); Simba SC (9); Al Hilal (10) in their top 10.

They both use the same method of calculating their rankings.

The two football data collecting websites are in agreement that, as of now, German giants, Bayern Munich, the European champions, are the world’s top-ranked football club.

Footballdatabase give Bayern 2082 points while Soccerverse give the Bavarians 1957 points.

But, they differ on who should be in the top three and top 10 around the world.

Footballdatabase have Liverpool in second place; Paris St-Germain (3); Rea Madrid (4); Barcelona (5); Atalanta (6); Manchester City (7); Inter Milan (8); Sevilla (9) and Atletico Madrid (10).

Brazilian giants, Flamengo, are the top non-European club, in their rankings, in 16th place, while Manchester United are ranked in 26th place, which despite all the controversy related to such rankings, appears to be a fair reflection of where the Red Devils stand right now.

Tino Kadewere’s French club, Lyon, are ranked in 43rd place.

The Soccerverse rankings have Barcelona in second place, Liverpool in third place, PSG in fourth place, Manchester City in fifth place, Juventus (6); Real Madrid (7); Borussia Dortmund (8); Atalanta (9) and Manchester United (10).

Argentine powerhouse, Boca Juniors, are their top non-European club, in 13th place.

“Officially, there is no world ranking of club-level football, as for example for national teams,’’ Soccerverse explain on their website.

“Over several years, we gathered results of football matches in over 200 countries of more than 7000 teams. We adapted the FIFA ranking to fit club-level football to provide an always up-to-date ranking of teams around the globe.

“A world-wide ranking is provided by footballdatabase.com, this ranking is yet again based on the Elo system, a very different approach is taken by clubworldranking.com.

“If you check all these ranking sides, you will notice subtle differences in all rankings. But, which one is the most accurate? Is it even possible to judge that?

“Regardless of accuracy, world rankings are fun and provide enough fuel for conflict for heated discussions among football fans around the globe.’’

Remmington Gold Red Promotion Takes Off

Dynamos Football Club principal sponsors Gold Leaf Tobacco will kick off the Remington Gold (RG) Red Promotion tomorrow (Saturday) at three N Richards outlets in Harare.

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Selected Dynamos players will spend time at the outlets as brand ambassadors on the day.

They will be there from 11:30 at the following outlets:

N. Richards Tynwald…….Godknows Murwira and Munyaradzi Diya

N. Richards Graniteside…….Jarrison Selemani and Kudzi Dhemere

N. Richards Masasa…….Ngandu Mangala and Patson Jaure

Be there maDembare to meet your favourite players and corporate brand.

All Hail Gold Leaf Tobacco Company.

Local Football Set To Bounce Back

ZIFA president Felton Kamambo yesterday said the football mother body were today expected to start formal engagements with the Sports and Recreation Commission to push for the return of the Premier Soccer League next month as a back-up plan ahead of the resumption of international football in November. 

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CAF announced the AFCON qualifiers were scheduled to resume between November 9-17 this year.

And, this means the long awaited back-to-back clash between Zimbabwe and Algeria, is likely to take place under these difficult conditions.

The bulk of Zimbabwe’s players ply their trade in foreign leagues.

The association risk failing to raise a competitive team if the domestic league remains in limbo.

“I am sure you are aware that FIFA have said teams are not obliged to release players for the qualifiers and, so, we have to have a back-up plan for that,’’ said Kamambo.

“In case we fail to get most of our players, then the local-based players will have to step in.

“But, the problem is that they haven’t been playing football. It was not possible to start the domestic league this year because of the lockdown restrictions.

“Football was also classified among the high risk sports.

“Our wish is for the domestic teams to start training, by end of September, in anticipation of the new season.

“In fact, the date we have in mind is 14 September, so that the league begins mid-October but, again, it all depends on the advice from the stakeholders.’’

The 2020 Castle Lager Premiership failed to start in March because of the lockdown measures.

Premier Soccer League chief executive, Kenny Ndebele said clubs were desperate to start training.

Ndebele acknowledged the introduction of the curfew had pegged them back, in terms of plans they had, for a September start to the season.

But the PSL chief urged the game’s leaders come out of their shells and put in place protocols to be tabled before Government for football’s safe return.

“We were hoping that the pandemic would be under control by August but, when the Government tightened the lockdown by introducing the curfew, we also had to slow down our push for a restart.

“We have been trying to understand and assess the situation on the ground.

“But, to be honest, the whole domestic football family went on sleep mode and there was no action,’’ Ndebele said.

ZIFA have set up a medical committee to help them draw up a strategy for the safe return of the game.

The authorities are being guided by the Government and health experts in their plans.

They are also taking notes from CAF’s 27-page document titled ‘CAF Guidelines to Resume Football in Africa.’

The document emphasizes on the health of the major stakeholders who include players, officials, fans, and other partners.

“There have been some engagements going on with the Sports Communication but we are looking to begin the official communication tomorrow (today),’’ said Kamambo.

‘’We are hoping that the medical committee would be through with their document to be presented to SRC.

“We were also hoping to conduct random tests on players, for a start, and use that as a gauge to see the impact the disease might have had on the players and officials.

“We are still going to be conducting the tests, while engagements with the SRC and Government continue.

“Resources have been set aside for that from the FIFA Covid-19 relief funds.

“We had to take this decision to push for the return of football after consultations with our various affiliates.

“Indications from the regions, when we did the consultations, were that we start next year but PSL indicated they wanted to start right away.

“And, like I indicated, we need to start preparing for the AFCON.

“We hope that the coach (Zdravko Logarusic) would have returned from his home in Croatia by the time the league starts.’’

ZIFA are also hoping to make use of the FIFA international friendly dates to prepare for the Warriors’ AFCON assignments. FIFA have set the week of October 7-15 as the official dates for international matches.