DYNAMOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
KWEKWE UNITED . . . . . . 0
LLOYD Chigowe's future as Dynamos coach was cast into further doubt as his side struggled to a goalless draw against Kwekwe United at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
The Harare giants, who lost three consecutive games before yesterday's tie, were unconvincing again and the supporters openly expressed their dissatisfaction at the final whistle by chanting insults at Chigowe.
Several factors could be cited for the team's horrible start to the season, including the lack of financial support from the management and uncertainty stemming from off-field issues.
Yet, Dynamos were still expected to roll over the financially-troubled Midlands-based team, who were forced to hurriedly assemble a squad to play yesterday.
Last week, Kwekwe United players boycotted their home game against Herentals due to financial constraints that are threatening the debutants' continued participation in the premier league.
However, Chigowe's men failed to take advantage of the chaos that was rocking their opponents' camp, with yet another dreadful performance in front of a handful of supporters who tried their best to motivate the players by singing throughout the entire match.
- Panashe Mutasa comes of age at Tenax FC
- Dynamos back to winning ways
- Ndiraya backs Antonio to impress in Belgium
- Artists struggling to grasp intellectual property rights
Keep Reading
To their credit, the players did create several chances, which they, however, took turns to fluff.
Yesterday's point saw the hosts move out of the relegation zone to 14th position with seven points.
They have won one match in their opening eight ties and Chigowe knows he is a man on the brink.
And it appears he has resigned to his fate.
Asked how worried he is with his job on the back of recent results, Chigowe said, "I accept whatever outcome because that is the nature of the job. You cannot go on and say 'I deserve to continue' when the results are not coming. That's part of the job."
Further queried if he is taking part in the responsibility for the bad results, he quipped, “Well, to cut a long story short, the buck stops with the coach.”
Chigowe said several matches, including yesterday's, should have gone better for his
men.
"I thought we dominated, created goal-scoring opportunities," he said. "Unfortunately, our Achilles heel has been finishing. I think we did everything. The boys gave their hearts out to get a result. Unfortunately, we ended up sharing the spoils. I think sometimes it's a question of psychology. It's a question of confidence. Once these boys hit the net, I think one of these days they will tear other teams apart."
Dynamos created most of the chances, but the nearest that they came to scoring a goal was in the 85th minute when Ghanaian import Frank Agymang crashed his header against the crossbar.
That was the second time in the match that the woodwork had been rattled after Andile Taruvinga had hit the upright for Kwekwe United in the 57th minute with a rising shot after being teed up by Allan Gahadzikwa.
The visitors were also denied what looked like a genuine penalty early on after Shadreck Nyahwa appeared to block a corner kick with his hand.
Kwekwe coach Saul Chaminuka refused to dwell much on the financial struggles in his camp.
Instead, he applauded the players for a good shift yesterday.
"The boys did a good job today. We probably wouldn't have come again for this game against Dynamos. But, you know, players being who they are, if they say we want to play, they will play. If they say we don't want to play, you will see what happens on the field of play. And I am happy that we had a good performance, we looked organised and we had answers to a lot of questions that were asked on the field of play."
Pressed to shed light on the happenings behind the scenes at the club, he said: "I don't think I want to delve into that because maybe we may lose what may be on its way. We may lose prospective support."
Kwekwe United are in 16th position with six points from seven matches.
Teams
Dynamos: T Makoni, E Jalai, A Gwatidzo, C Mandivei, T Magwaza, S Nyahwa (E Gwekwerere, 90'), T Pio, K Madera (R Chingwara, 65'), E Chikona (R Ngwenya, 90'), V Kadonzvo (F Jerimani, 75'), F Agyemang
Kwekwe United: L Gonese, A Taruvinga, J Masukutwa, D Dauda, B Kativhu, A Gahadzikwa (T Muzenda, 65'), M Mambare (F Matatu, 90'), M Murimba, A Mutimbanyoka, N Saungweme, T Pasuwa (R Muchara, 65')
