DYNAMOS coach Lloyd Chigowe has pleaded for his team to be given some time, stating that the squad is young and needs time to get itself together.
The former champions are 14th on the Premier League table with seven points, just two above bottom side Triangle, after one win in their first eight matches.
Chigowe's men have recorded three losses, four draws and their latest setback was a goalless draw against a struggling Kwekwe United on Sunday, a team that was forced to hurriedly assemble a squad to play the weekend match due to financial problems that are threatening the Midlands-based team's survival.
Kwekwe United players boycotted their home match against Herentals last week and had arrived late for their away match to ZPC Kariba a fortnight ago, eventually getting clobbered 5-nil.
Emotions ran high at Rufaro Stadium and Dynamos fans did not hide their frustration after watching their side labour against a team they thought they would roll over.
There were angry scenes at the Vietnam stand, a section that houses predominantly home supporters, when Chigowe went to acknowledge them after full time.
Speaking to the media soon afterwards, he acknowledged the supporters' frustration but made an emotional plea for patience with him and his young squad amid a period of bad form.
"Like I said before, give them time to settle," Chigowe said. "Team building is normally a process. It's not an event. I think the performance here vindicates what I'm saying. Unfortunately, we failed to get the goal that mattered. Our opponents ended up delaying. It was like a cup game to them. In a league game, you should play open to get points. But I think they were content to share the points."
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Sunday's goalless stalemate was the fourth time in a row that Dynamos had fired blanks.
They have mustered two goals in eight matches, with the other being an own goal.
The frustrated Chigowe bemoaned his team's lack of luck against Kwekwe United, saying the only thing missing was goals.
He is backing his goal-shy boys to come good soon.
"Sometimes it's a question of psychology. It's a question of confidence. Once these boys hit the net, one of these days, they will tear another team apart. You saw the clear chances that Frank Agyemang got, the header [that hit the crossbar]. You saw Elton Chikona missing a lot of chances. It’s a question of us getting one goal to turn our fortunes around," Chigowe said.
It was pointed out to him by journalists that Kwekwe United has the worst defensive record this far, having conceded 13 goals in eight games, and his side ought to have also taken advantage.
"The problem with Kwekwe United is not about ability," Chigowe defended.
"It is about their financial woes. Before this match, they received a windfall from somewhere, and they were motivated. In Kariba, they had to be persuaded to leave the changing room. They were not interested in playing. But today, their motivation levels were high. They've also drawn against two of the big giants in the league [FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum Stars]. It tells you that they have pedigree. But they need to put their house in order for them to compete week in, week out at the same level."
Chigowe appeared irritated by a question about whether he is fearing for his job on the back of the current run of results.
"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."
Asked whether he is taking responsibility for the team's struggles, Chigowe retorted, "Well, to cut a long story short, the buck stops with the coach."
Several factors could be cited for the team's horrible start to the season, including the lack of financial support from the management during the player transfer window period and uncertainty stemming from off-field issues.
And some of the club's fans fully understand Chigowe's situation, as they believe the team's problems lie elsewhere.
They mobbed his car as he made his way out of the stadium in an apparent show of solidarity with the beleaguered coach.
But just how patient will the club management be?
There are no signs that the club hierarchy is preparing to pull the trigger yet, but they may feel compelled to act soon unless there is a dramatic improvement.
Next up for DeMbare is a tricky trip to GreenFuel tomorrow for their midweek fixture.
They then face Scottland, with matches looming against Caps United, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Highlanders.
