IT has been exactly 10 years since Harare giants Dynamos played continental football and their last match was a 1-0 away defeat to DR Congo side Vita Club, which saw them knocked out in the first round of the competition.
Today, the Glamour Boys will be looking to make a triumphant return to the African safari when they host Zambian side Zesco United in the preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup at their adopted home, Botswana National Stadium.
Under the tutelage of caretaker coach Lloyd Chigowe, who will be making his first African Safari bow, DeMbare will be looking for a big win which will ensure that they achieve their target of reaching the Group stages of the competition.
The country's Cup winners had their last training at the match venue yesterday.
Captain Frank Makarati promised the Dynamos faithfuls that the team will restore the club's former glory on the African continent in this competition.
"We are back in Caf once again after a long time and from our side as players it's not a joke to be here, but we had to work for it. The message to the Dynamos family, especially the fans is that we are back on the African safari and we promise to lift the Dynamos name to where it used to be in terms of continental football.
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“What we all need is their full support,” Makarati said.
Makarati said they were expecting to win both matches against Zesco United as they bid to reach the group stages in the competition.
"We have prepared quite well and what is left is for us to win the match; our first home match come Sunday (today) after that next week we are going to Ndola in Zambia and again we are expecting to collect maximum points. Our aim is to progress to the group stages of this Confederation Cup," he said.
Dynamos go into the Caf Confederation Cup on the back of four consecutive draws and will be looking for their first win in five matches.
The Glamour Boys currently sit in seventh place on the local league with 31 points from 23 matches.
On the other hand Zesco have not been competitively active since their league competition is yet to begin.
However, they are wary of the challenges posed by their opponents.
"Of course we are ready, knowing we are playing a good side from Zimbabwe. Dynamos is one of the big teams, but looking at our preparations I think we are ready and also everyone is ready for the crucial encounter. I don't think we have any injuries in our team," first assistant coach Tenant Chiluba said.
Zesco recently added former Power Dynamos and Nkana striker Alex ‘Bazo’ Ng’onga to their roster while they also boast of Chadian international Amine Hiver and local boy George Ngoma.