HARARE - An air of seriousness during Dynamos’ bonding luncheon on Thursday conveyed an awareness of the importance of winning their African Champions League encounter against Botswana champions Mochudi Centre Chiefs on Sunday.
There was little of friendly banter and fooling around as the board, executive and players seemed focused and aware of the task that lies ahead of them.
The Glamour Boys looked one happy family, which also saw the new players welcomed into the DeMbare system at this bonding luncheon hosted by the executive at East 24.
DeMbare were joined by new boys Masimba Mambare, Anesu Gondo, Walter Mukanga, Themba Ndlovu, Tafadzwa Rusike and Ronald Chitiyo, who all signed for the team this year.
The club’s secretary of the board of directors Chris Kasiyazi said it is their desire to bridge the gap and break the perceived walls that exist between the players, the executive and the board of directors.
“We would like to welcome you all new players to the Dynamos family,” Kasiyazi said.
“We have a culture of winning at Dynamos and we hope you will also adopt the same spirit. We are looking forward to work together. We need to maintain the Dynamos spirit of the old.
“It’s very important to have such moments where players and management get to mix. It’s important to know each other as a team and it is something that fosters unity of purpose.
“We are looking forward to a good game on Sunday and we hope we will all be smiling.”
DeMbare coach Callisto Pasuwa hailed the management’s efforts while stressing the importance of a comfortable victory against the Botswana champions.
With an evenly-balanced group of players, a defeat against Mochudi Centre Chiefs would put the Glamour Boys under considerable pressure for the return match in Botswana in a fortnight.
“We are very grateful to the management for their help. Dynamos is a big team and a lot is expected from us as the technical team and the executive. It is our duty to be fully committed,” said Pasuwa.
Pasuwa, who has been with the team for the past two days, having been away in South Africa for almost a month with the national team, showered praise on Dynamos vice-chairperson David Mandigora for taking care of business in his absence.
“It’s not easy for vice-chairman to bring himself down and coach the team in my absence,” he said.
“We are still learning the ropes and we are very grateful to you. I found the team in good shape and I hope on Sunday players will finish off the job.”
The former Dynamos midfielder was however concerned with the fitness of some of his players while bemoaning the loss of defender Gift Bello, who has since joined FC Platinum.
“We would have wanted him (Bello) to be part of us but we will do our best to get the results,” Pasuwa said.
“We need to be fit and that’s one big disadvantage that we have with our calendar. For most of the guys match fitness is a cause of concern but we need to soldier on. We are also banking on the boys who have been to Chan to carry the day for us.”
The club’s chairperson, Kenny Mubaiwa, had however no kind words for Bello, labelling the diminutive defender a “rebel.”