DYNAMOS coach Lloyd Chigowe is predicting a tight race for the league title this season, which he believes will have more contenders.
Simba Bhora and FC Platinum went toe-to-toe in the race last term before the former claimed it in only their second season in the top-flight league.
This campaign has already proven to be unpredictable, with the reigning champions languishing in 12th place following their 1-0 defeat to Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday, while pre-season favourites Scottland have dropped four points in their last two matches to surrender the top spot on the log.
The well-resourced club followed their 1-0 defeat to new log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars a fortnight ago with a 1-1 draw away at Highlanders on Sunday.
They had to come from behind to earn the point, with Mthokozisi Msebe scoring a last-gasp equaliser for the visitors.
Dynamos' league victory over Simba Bhora, their first of the season, moved them from the relegation zone up to sixth position on the log standings with six points, four behind early pacesetters Ngezi Platinum Stars.
So tight is the race that Chigowe believes the door is wide open for any team to challenge for the title this year."This season is going to be a dog-eat-dog season,"
Chigowe said. "It's not going to be easy for any team, so we'll take each game as it comes."
- DEMBARE WIELD AXE ON NDIRAYA
- SUPER SUNDAY!….as Dembare visits Barbourfields
- Inside sport: Send the hooligans to jail
- Inside sport: All good abroad but gloom at home
Keep Reading
He is happy with how his new-look side is progressing after they put up a professional performance to beat the defending champions, courtesy of a Shadreck Nyahwa goal.
There were concerns that Dynamos would struggle after the mass player exodus during the off-season transfer market that saw at least a dozen key figures, including captain Frank Makarati, Donald Mudadi, Tanaka Shandirwa, Emmanuel Ziocha and defender Donald Dzvinyai, leaving for greener pastures.
But the new players brought in as a result have settled in superbly, according to Chigowe.
He claims the best is yet to come from this team.Chigowe is also banking on the experienced guys in the squad, like captain Emmanuel Jalai, to show the youngsters the way.
The right back, fresh from national duty, where he featured against Benin and Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers, was thrown straight into the starting 11 against Simba Bhora and, as usual, he put up a polished display.
"Emmanuel Jalai has been a good example, a shining example of efficiency. He has demonstrated that at the highest level, where only the best can play for the national team, vindicates our faith in him. It's a pleasure to work with him. I have got a lot of pride having brought him to Dynamos," Chigowe said.
DeMbare's victory over Simba Bhora moved them to six points from a possible 12. They are four behind log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars, who claimed the lead from Mwos following a 1-0 win over Triangle on Saturday.
Newboys Mwos surrendered the top position after they were held to a goalless draw by former champions FC Platinum to move to eight points, while TelOne moved to third on seven points after their 1-0 win over Caps United.
Scottland and Manica Diamonds, both on seven points, complete the top five on the standings after four rounds of matches.
Highlanders are in eighth position with five points, while Caps United slumped to 14th position with four points.
Matchday five fixtures
Saturday: Manica Diamonds v Dynamos (Sakubva), Chicken Inn v Herentals (Luveve), Simba Bhora v TelOne (Wadzanayi), Mwos v ZPC Kariba (Baobab), Kwekwe United v FC Platinum (Bata), GreenFuel v Yadah (GreenFuel Arena), Scottland v Bikita Minerals (Rufaro).Sunday: Triangle United v Highlanders (Gibbo), Caps United v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro).
