Once the undisputed titans of Zimbabwean football, Dynamos FC now stands at a critical crossroads. The 21-time Premier Soccer League champions are reeling from consecutive defeats to Greenfuel and Ngezi Platinum as the 2024 season concluded. Adding to their woes, star goalkeeper Martin Mapisa’s high-profile exit has left a gaping void in their defense.
With ZPC Kariba looming this weekend, the pressure mounts on the Glamour Boys. All eyes are fixed on whether this fallen giant can reignite their campaign and reclaim their place among Zimbabwe’s elite.
A Season of Struggles
Dynamos’ woes came to an all-time high when they experienced a 1-0 loss, away to Greenfuel, followed by a 2-1 defeat away to Ngezi Platinum, leaving fans questioning the team’s cohesion. The absence of Mapisa, who anchored the defense for three seasons, has exposed vulnerabilities. The 26-year-old shot-stopper, also Zimbabwe’s first-choice goalkeeper, completed a shock move to newly promoted MWOS FC for the 2025 season, a blow compounded by Dynamos’ reported struggles to attract marquee replacements.
Ray of Hope: Castle Challenge Cup Triumph
Amid the gloom, Dynamos clinched a morale-boosting victory over reigning PSL champions Simba Bhora in the Castle Challenge Cup on February 24. The match was tightly contested throughout the full ninety minutes with the addition of extra time; the end time score was 1-1. Eventually, Dynamos edged Simba Bhora in a nail-biting penalty shootout and won the Castle Challenge Cup 5-3. Striker Emmanuel Paga’s second-half strike offered a glimpse of the team’s potential.
ZPC Kariba: A Test of Resilience
Next up is ZPC Kariba, a below mid-table finisher in 2024 (13th place) but a persistent thorn in Dynamos’ side. Historically, Dynamos has dominated this fixture, winning two of their last five encounters (W2, D3). However, ZPC’s compact defense and counterattacking style have troubled larger clubs, with their opponents on Sunday also being on the list. The last two encounters between the two teams ended as a draw, which might leave some to believe that ZPC Kariba may not be the underdog that they appear to be.
Transfer Window Quietude
Dynamos’ recruitment drive has been muted. The club confirmed two signings: versatile midfielder Tinashe Muringai from Cranborne Bullets and former Ngezi Platinum defender Godknows Murwira. The Glamour Boys have also held trials for their main squad, which means they will be some new faces on the Dynamos squad list this season. Whether or not they perform is a tale that only time will tell.
Looking Ahead
Saturday’s clash at the Rufaro Stadium offers Dynamos a chance to reset. A win against ZPC Kariba could catalyze their season, but another misstep may deepen the crisis. For a club synonymous with success, the margin for error has never been thinner.
