Mangombe banks on defense as Dynamos face unbeaten Ngezi Platinum Stars
For the first time this season, Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe has spoken confidently about his team’s defense, backing it to stand out in Saturday’s match against Ngezi Platinum Stars.
The Glamour Boys are bracing for a herculean task at Rufaro Stadium against Ngezi Platinum Stars, the only team yet to taste defeat after 14 rounds of matches.
Even after a FIFA ban and a massive player exodus, the Mhondoro-Ngezi club has risen above the waters as an unpredictable side and a silent title contender.
The last time Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars met at Rufaro, there was drama. Then-Madamburo coach Takesure Chiragwi lost his temper and slapped his own player, McDonald Makuwe, after a disputed equaliser.
It was an impulsive act, shocking to watch and deeply disappointing for a man who had built his career on calm tactical intelligence and discipline.
DESPERATE TIMES FOR DYNAMOS
In truth, the Ngezi Platinum Stars task has never made life easy for Dynamos. More pertinently, it comes at a time when the Harare giants are trying to turn a new page following the ugly scenes at Chahwanda Stadium last weekend that resulted in the abandonment of their match against Hardrock FC.
Dynamos sit on 21 points from 13 matches and already trail leaders CAPS United by seven points. Mangombe is upbeat, hoping for a win, as they have managed just one win in their last seven matches. He is banking on a defense he believes has become more steely in recent times.
“We have to take this game very seriously. We are going to look at how we’ve been playing and try to make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes that cost us draws and losses in some matches.
“We are now doing our best in terms of scoring. If we can get goals in this game, our defence is becoming more of a unit and we are making sure we don’t concede anymore,” Mangombe said.
MANGOMBE NOT LOSING SLEEP AS DEMBARE MISS THREE STARS
Dynamos will be without three key players — Christopher Nettey, Jairos Kasondo and Perfect Chikwende — when they face Madamburo at home.
Nettey will be serving a suspension, while Kasondo and Chikwende are nursing injuries. However, coach Mangombe is not losing sleep over the trio’s absence for this critical match.
“We also have a few players who are absent — Kasondo and Perfect Chikwende. We’re going to miss them in this game, but I’m happy that we have a wider selection and we can opt for other players in those positions,” Mangombe added.
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