Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. TODAY’S Harare derby is more than just a match. It’s a story of rejection and redemption, a clash of old and new money.
At the heart of it all is Denver Mukamba, the prodigal son of Dynamos, who will face the very club that cast him aside, Scottland, for the first time.
Mukamba was the forgotten hero of Scottland’s promotion-winning season, a huge talent who was unceremoniously dumped when the well-resourced club flexed its financial muscle and completely revamped its squad.
For six months, he was a ghost, a player without a home.
But now, he is back where he belongs, wearing the blue of Dynamos with a new purpose — to save the club from relegation.
His return has been nothing short of miraculous.
While he has only made cameo appearances, his presence seems to have been the catalyst for a stunning reversal of fortunes.
Since the 32-year-old joined, Dynamos have not lost a single game, winning five matches across all competitions.
This includes a three-match winning streak in the league, a feat they have not achieved all season.
They have toppled title contenders MWOS and secured crucial wins against relegation rivals Kwekwe United and GreenFuel.
Their success extends to the Chibuku Super Cup, where they defied the odds, eliminating log leaders Simba Bhora and Yadah to reach the quarterfinals.
But this newfound strength faces a formidable test today.
Scottland is on an eight-match winning streak and second on the log.
Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu is well aware of the monumental task ahead. But he believes Mukamba’s desire for revenge could be his secret weapon.
“He has not been active for a while, so we are still working on his conditioning,” Kaindu said. “Every coach would love to have a fully-fit Denver, but he has not disappointed us. He is not just good with the ball; he is also good off the ball. He makes those runs behind the opponents’ defence, which gives us an advantage. He is our trump card.”
While last week’s 2-0 win over GreenFuel did not move Dynamos up the table as they remained second from the bottom, it did shrink the gap, bringing them within three points of 13th-placed Triangle.
Kaindu knows that a win today could finally lift them out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.
“The winning streak has brought confidence and self-belief to the team,” Kaindu said.
“But we are still in the drop zone. If we don’t survive, it will count for nothing. We need to stay consistent and keep picking up points. A win against Scottland would give us a huge advantage and could finally change our position.”
The last time these two teams met in May, Tymon Machope scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory for Scottland.
However, a lot has changed since then.
Dynamos have gone through coaching changes, with Lloyd Chigowe and Saul Chaminuka both being replaced before Kaindu’s arrival.
More importantly, the squad has been refreshed, with Mukamba’s emotional return helping to transform the club’s fortunes.
For Scottland, they have gone from strength to strength, continuing to flex their financial muscles by signing star players like Knowledge Musona.
With eight rounds left, they are only a point behind leaders Simba Bhora and are determined to prove that money can buy titles.
Today’s match is more than just a game.
It is a battle between two completely different teams, driven by two different ambitions.
One is fuelled by the power of money and the hunger for a title, the other by the power of heart and the desperation to survive.
And at the centre of it all is one Mukamba, a man with a point to prove.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matchday 27 fixtures
Today: Bikita Minerals v TelOne (Gibbo), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Fc Platinum (Baobab), Scottland v Dynamos (Rufaro), GreenFuel v Simba Bhora (GreenFuel Arena), MWOS v Chicken Inn (Ngoni).
Tomorrow: Highlanders v Yadah (Barbourfields), Caps United v Zpc Kariba (Rufaro), Triangle v Herentals (Gibbo), Kwekwe United v Manica Diamonds (Ascot).
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