Cioaba hails Dembare spirit after spoiling Bosso centenary party, now eyes Hardrock test
After spoiling Highlanders’ centenary celebrations in Sunday’s exhibition match at Barbourfields Stadium, Dynamos coach Aristica Cioaba is now hoping his side brings the same aggression when they face current PSL leaders and title hopefuls Hardrock FC in Saturday’s blockbuster clash.
Dynamos beat Highlanders 1-0 in their own backyard, courtesy of Frank Agyemang’s early goal, to ruin Bosso’s hopes of capping their 100-year celebrations with a win.
While the match meant a lot for Highlanders as they sought to seal centenary celebrations in a year that has been marked by grief and sorrow following the loss of three executive members and supporters who perished in a accident, Dynamos brought their A-game to ensure they walked away with the bragging rights in an entertaining exhibition at Bulawayo’s ceremonial home of football.
Although it was far from their league commitments, Cioaba was pleased with how his men applied themselves and is hoping they bring the same mentality when they face Hardrock, a team that has been a revelation in the 2026 season.
“I am happy that my players had the spirit to fight and win the game, and to show aggression. This is good for our team going into the next game. Our plan is to finish in the top four in the league, and it will be good for us to go with the same aggression into the next game on Saturday,” he said.
When the two teams, Dynamos and Hardrock FC, last met, the match was abandoned while tied at 1-1 at Chahwanda Stadium. It was later finished at Baobab Stadium, with Dynamos winning 2-1.
However, circumstances are now different, as Hardrock are in control and in high spirits, hoping to maintain top spot in the Premier Soccer League. With only four games remaining before the curtain comes down, Saturday’s clash is likely to be one that shapes the title race.
At Barbourfields stadium, Dembare opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Agyemang headed home after Bosso goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya spilled Leroy Mavhunga’s cross. The ball took an awkward bounce in front of the keeper, allowing the Ghanaian to head it home.
Highlanders offered little in attack, but they had one of the best chances of the first half when captain Darlington Mukuli saw his header hit the outside of Idrissou Nfor Finia’s post.
Dynamos also struck the woodwork, with a counter-attack ending in Witness Shave’s powerful shot rattling the post and going out for a goal-kick.
Bosso tried to mount pressure in the second half, but Dynamos’ defence stood firm, aided by second-half substitute goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni, who showed composure and confidence with a couple of important saves.
Bosso coach Benjani Mwaruwari was critical of the way his team started. He said: “We started the game very sloppily in the first 20 minutes, and unfortunately, from the start of the season we have been struggling to score goals. We need to fight to get points in the upcoming games so that we finish in a much more respectable position,” he said.
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