DYNAMOS star Denver Mukamba is feeling the vibe of 2012 when the team won the second of four consecutive titles between 2011 and 2014 under former coach Kalisto Pasuwa.
That season DeMbare won the double, lifting the league title and the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
The fresh-faced Mukamba was in his first season with the Glamour Boys after joining from Kiglon Birds, and dazzled enough to be voted Soccer Star of the Year.
He moved to South Africa the following season where he had an unsuccessful stint before returning home and played for a number of local clubs, including Dynamos.
His last club was Ngezi Platinum Stars which dumped him under a cloud at the end of the year, prompting him to retrace his footsteps back to DeMbare again.
Mukamba is grateful for being afforded another opportunity by the club and is desperate to repay the faith shown in him.
He says he is ready to take the club back to the top, and believes the current squad will help him achieve that.
“This squad reminds me of the 2012 team when I first arrived here," Mukamba told NewsDay Sport.
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“There is a buzz all around and everyone is excited to play for the team. The squad is a blend of youth and experience, so it's very strong with so much quality everywhere. What is left is for us to be united and pull in one direction. We are doing that at the moment and if we can continue on this path, we will be unstoppable."
Dynamos have started the season brightly, winning their opening two matches against Hwange and Sheasham.
Mukamba played cameo roles in both wins, coming on to provide an assist for the only goal against Hwange in the opener.
“I don’t have a problem coming on as a substitute. It's a team's tactic and the coach discussed it with me that I will come from the bench to effect changes in the game depending on the situation. The team is also doing well, so there is no need for the coach to change a winning team. I will wait for my chance, just like everyone else.”
Dynamos made a complete overhaul of the squad during the transfer window. Mukamba is one of 15 new players that joined at the start of the year.
He believes that new coach Herbert Maruwa assembled a formidable squad and there are players that have impressed him so far.
He picked Tanaka "Kante" Shandirwa, Emmanuel Jalai, Tendai Matindife and striker Eli Ilunga as the players who have caught his eye.
“Everyone is playing well and there is so much talent but so far I think Kante and Matindife are on top of the game. It's not easy to come to Dynamos and immediately hit the ground running like they have done. Jalai is a machine. Eli is a very powerful striker with an ability to pack powerful shots. He is also good at holding up play for the runners. He reminds me of Christian Ntouba.”
Dynamos face off with Tonderai Ndiraya's promoted Simba Bhora this afternoon at the National Sports Stadium looking to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Mukamba reckons the “derby match,” will be tough, but believes they will take all the three points.
“We look to continue with our rich vein of form and collect more points. But we have to remain focused and keep our feet on the ground. This will be a derby match for us because we are facing familiar faces. Most of the Simba players have been here at Dynamos so they are our friends.
“We need to get an early goal and if we can manage that I’m sure we will get all the three points.”
Simba Bhora, were built mostly from DeMbare “rejects”, including its technical and management staff.
Coach Ndiraya and chairperson Isaiah Mupfurutsa left for Simba where they took up similar roles after severing ties with DeMbare at the end of last year.
A number of players, deemed excess baggage by the Harare giants at the end of the season, including Patson Jaure, Keith Murera, Stephen Chatikobo, Claivert Tshuma and Luke Musikiri, have also found a home at Simba.
The ambitious club also recruited Blessing Moyo, Tichaona Chipunza, Ronald Chitiyo and goalkeeper Simba Chinani who all made their names at Dynamos.
The Shamva based side lost their opening matches against FC Platinum and Chicken Inn.
They are using the NSS as their home ground after they failed to get their Shamva base of Wadzanani Stadium ready in time for the start of the season.
Today: Simba Bhora v Dynamos (NSS), Sheasham v Yadah (Mandava), Bulawayo Chiefs v Black Rhinos (Luveve), Cranborne Bullets v Chicken Inn (Baobab)
Tomorrow: Caps United v Zpc Kariba (NSS), Highlanders v Fc Platinum (BF), Triangle v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Gibbo), Hwange v GreenFuels (Luveve)
