ISSA Sadiki and teenage sensation Elton Chikona’s goals against Caps United did not just get Dynamos into the Chibuku Super Cup final, they clinched an all important African Safari spot for them, nine years from their last dance with top dogs on the continent.
By Bhora Afrika
Dynamos beat Caps United by two goals in Sunday’s Chibuku Super Cup Semi Final; making it the third time they have beaten their cross town rivals within a year (2-0 in the league on April 30, 1-0 reverse league fixture on September 24 and the latest one).
DeMbare have qualified for the Confederations Cup by virtue of facing Castle Lager premiership log leaders Ngezi Platinum in the final in ZImbabwe’s premier knockout tournament.
Winners of the Cup represent Zimbabwe in the Confederations division. In this case even a runners up qualifiers if the winner is expected in the Champions League.
If Ngezi win the league and Chibuku Super Cup they would have an opportunity to spar in the Champions League for a first time.
The only thing that could change this script is if Dynamos manage to upstage Ngezi Platinum and beat them to the title; meaning DeMbare would most likely opt for CAF’s more lucrative Champions League where they have a name.
DeMbare are eight points behind Ngezi Platinum. A win against Manica Diamond, with whom they have a game in hand could increase chances of an upset but a loss would all but have confirmed Mhondoro based Ngezi Platinum as 2023 champions.
Dynamos’ last campaign in the CAF Champions League was not as respectable as the 1998 or 2008 ones; the Glamour Boys fellout in the First Round after falling 1-0 to Congolese side AS Vita on March 9, 2014.
Their last win came in the tournament’s Preliminary Round, a 3-0 demolition of yesteryear Botswana giants Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
“I am happy about this as a youngster that we this means we will be headed for CAF competitions.
“This is a higher platform for some of us to showcase our talent,” said Junior Makunike, Dynamos’ 19-year-old playmaker.
Makunike has been a vital cog in Dynamos’ youthful side that is arguably still in contention for a double.
With CAF now employing a calendar similar to the one used in Europe, both Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum will have to wait for the second half of next year to get going.