Cioaba backs Dynamos to bounce back against Ngezi

Dynamos head coach Aristica Cioba is confident his side can overcome in-form Ngezi Platinum Stars when the two teams clash in their week 32 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter this weekend.

Ngezi head into the match on the back of five consecutive victories, but Cioaba believes Dynamos have enough quality and determination to secure maximum points despite suffering a defeat to Hardrock FC last week.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, the Romanian coach described his team as an injured lion following the loss, insisting that his players remain determined to finish the season in the top four.

“We are playing against a team that is playing well and above us in the league. Four teams are fighting to finish in the top four,” Cioaba said.

“Even without our star player Frank, I am confident in the 20 players that we have. We will not just win, but we will finish in the top four.”

Cioaba will be hoping his charges respond positively against a Ngezi side enjoying an impressive run of form, with the result potentially proving crucial in Dynamos’ quest to secure a strong finish.

Cioba made an impressive start after joining Dynamos in July 2026, initially arriving as the club’s technical director before being appointed substantive head coach following the departure of Genesis Mangombe.

He quickly made his mark, guiding the Glamour Boys through a seven-match unbeaten run in the league. His first official match in charge ended in a commanding 4-0 victory over Agama FC at Rufaro Stadium.

Dynamos followed that result with a 2-1 win over Hardrock FC and a 2-0 triumph against MWOS, while also collecting an important away victory against FC Platinum.

His early impact earned him the PSL Coach of the Month award for July 2026. Dynamos also recorded six consecutive clean sheets across their first six matches in all competitions under his guidance.

However, his impressive start suffered a setback on August 23, when Dynamos lost 1-0 to Chicken Inn at Rufaro Stadium, marking his first league defeat.

Since then, the Harare giants have experienced mixed fortunes, including a hard-fought 1-1 draw against CAPS United in the Harare Derby and progress in the Chibuku Super Cup knockout stages following a victory over TelOne.

With the season entering its decisive phase, Cioabă remains determined to keep Dynamos in contention for a top-four finish.

The challenge now is to turn that confidence into results against a Ngezi Platinum Stars side that has been among the league’s most consistent teams in recent weeks.

For Dynamos, victory would provide a timely response to last week’s setback and strengthen their position in the race for a top four finish.

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