Is Dynamos Early PSL League Pace Sign of Rejuvinated Side?
Dynamos coach Calisto Pasuwa says after two losses at the National Sports Stadium they have done their homework and it has paid off
HARARE — Dynamos are now log leaders in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer league after walloping Harare City 3-1 on Sunday as Chelsea beat Liverpool in their own backyard to throw the championship title wide open. The defending champions hammered the local boys to register their first win at the National Sports Stadium to move one point clear of Highlanders, Hwange, and ZPC Kariba who are on eight points. Two goals from Anesu Gondo and another from Walter Mukanga saw Kalisto Pasuwa’s side collect maximum points to move to nine points from four matches. Pasuwa says after two losses at the National Sports Stadium they have done their homework, and it has paid off. Overnight, week-long leaders Highlanders and Hwange dropped to second and third on the log respectively after a one-all draw at Barbourfields Stadium while newcomers ZPC Kariba also failed to capitalize on that as they were held to a goalless draw by Buffaloes. Controversy also reigned supreme over the weekend after referee Ruzive Ruzive gave Black Rhinos a goal for a 2-1 win over Moses Chunga’s outfit. But television replays showed that Bevan Chikaka’s effort did not cross the line. Even Caps United coach Taurayi Mangwiro does not have kind words for the Zimbabwean referee after his club was denied what appeared to be a genuine goal which was ruled out for offside leaving his side in a 2-1 defeat to FC Platinum. Meanwhile, Chelsea on Sunday threw the Barclays Premier League title race wide open on a day Dynamos shot to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. They beat Liverpool 2-0. Even in Zimbabwe, the blue colours of Chelsea and the red replica jerseys of Liverpool dominated the streets as fans braced for what was dubbed the match of the season. But goals from Senegalese striker Demba Ba and Brazilian, William, left the Blues fans in delirium as they celebrated their goals. The Chelsea win has left Jose Mourino’s side two points behind Liverpool with three games left. But it is Manchester City who are three points adrift of Liverpool who are the biggest threat to the Reds’ dream of their first league title in 24 years. City are on 77 points after overcoming Crystal Palace 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium and should they win their three remaining matches and Liverpool also win their remaining two, both teams will end on 86 points but City will take the title on goal difference. It was though not all that of a bad weekend for the Reds of Liverpool as their striker Luis Suarez was named the Barclays Premiership’s Player of the Year. Suarez is the first South American to win the award. At the same time, the Warriors of Zimbabwe received a favourable draw in the qualifiers for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations after they were drawn to play Tanzania following the draw at the Caf headquerters Sunday. Should they beat the Taifa Stars, the Warriors will play the winner of the game between Mozambique and South Sudan for that vital place in the group stages where they will join Zambia, Cape Verde and Niger. The Warriors are bidding to qualify for the Nations Cup finals after missing out of the past four editions in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2013.