Dynamos F.C. Explained

Clubname:Dynamos Harare
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Fullname:Dynamos Football Club
Nickname:DeMbare, The Glamour Boys
Ground:Rufaro Stadium, National Sports Stadium
Harare, Zimbabwe
Capacity:60,000[1]
Coach:Genesis Mangombe (interim)
League:Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League
Season:2023
Position:3rd
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Dynamos F.C. (also referred to as both The Glamour Boys, and De-Mbare) is a Zimbabwean professional football club based since 1963 at Rufaro Stadium, Mbare, Harare. The team currently participates in Zimbabwe's top-tier, the Premier Soccer League. Founded in 1963 after a merger between two lesser teams in Mbare, Harare Township, Rhodesia, Dynamos quickly became one of the strongest sides in the Rhodesian league, and by the attainment of the independence of Zimbabwe in 1980 had become the country's most successful football team, having won six national championships. Dynamos have since won 22 league championships – a national record – and at least 16 trophy/cup honours.

In 1998, Dynamos contested the final of the CAF African Champions League against Ivorian side ASEC MIMOSAS, and lost the two-legged match under highly controversial circumstances.

Historically, Dynamos has been considered one of the great African teams.

History

Dynamos Football Club was founded in 1963.[2] The team's founder, Sam Dauya, was inspired to form a club for local black players in Salisbury (now Harare) by the establishment of an exclusively white club the previous year and the recent disbanding of two local black teams, Salisbury City and Salisbury United.[3] To this end, Dauya prepared an emblem and wrote a club constitution.[3] Former City and United players were then organised by Dauya into Dynamos, a combined team that, during its first year in existence, won the national championship ahead of white-dominated Salisbury Callies.[2] Dynamos became the first black team to consistently challenge the predominantly white Rhodesia National Football League, winning successive championships in 1965 and 1966.[2] A key player of the original Dynamos team was Patrick Dzvene, who became the first black Rhodesian to play outside his homeland in 1964 when he joined Zambian club Ndola United.[4] Known as "Amato the Devil" or the "midfield magician",[4] he was subsequently targeted by two English clubs, Arsenal and Aston Villa; however, Ndola refused to sell him.

Dynamos acquired their nickname, the Glamour Boys, through their early style of playing: Dynamos played "carpet soccer" – football based around passes along the ground – and based their game around "entertainment and winning, attacking football".[5] The club won three more domestic titles before the replacement of the Rhodesia National Football League with the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League in 1980, and, during that year, became the first champions of Zimbabwe. Because of the recognition of Zimbabwe's independence following the end of Rhodesia (latterly Zimbabwe Rhodesia), Zimbabwean clubs were, from 1981, allowed to contest continental competitions for the first time. As Zimbabwean champions, the side therefore entered the African Cup of Champions Clubs for the first time in 1981. Dynamos won their first match in the Cup of Champions Clubs 5–0, and, as of 2010, have never lost a first-round match in continental competition. The team reached the quarter-finals during their first season in the tournament, an achievement that was matched twice more during the 1980s – in 1984 and 1987. Meanwhile, the team dominated the Zimbabwean league, winning six out of the first seven editions of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League, including the first four. Dynamos also clinched the Cup of Zimbabwe in 1985, 1986 and 1989 as well as the 1983 Zimbabwean Independence Trophy.

The team claimed four more Zimbabwean titles during the 1990s, as well as a further Cup of Zimbabwe and three more Independence Trophies. Following the 1997 league win – the club's 17th overall – Dynamos embarked on a run in the 1998 CAF Champions League that was ended only in the final by a 4–2 aggregate defeat by ASEC Mimosas, champions of the Côte d'Ivoire. After a barren start to the 2000s during which the side did not win a single title or Cup of Zimbabwe, Dynamos won their sixth Double in 2007, and, as a result of winning the Zimbabwean title, qualified once more for the Champions League. Despite defeating ASEC earlier in the tournament, Dynamos were overcome by Coton Sport of Cameroon in the semi-finals.This was the teams best Champions League run in their history. Much of this success was achieved when the much admired Patson Moyo was the chairman of the football club.

Identity

Dynamos are known primarily by their nicknames: DeMbare, Chazunguza, 7 million or the Glamour Boys. DeMbare refers to the club's location and origins. Some sources have linked this to Charles Mabika while the Glamour Boys label has its roots in the elaborate and entertaining "carpet soccer" style of play exhibited by the team during its early years.[5]

The club's colours are blue and white.[1]

Stadium

Dynamos FC have no Stadium of their own. The club relies on rented City Harare Council stadiums.

See main article: Rufaro Stadium.

Honours and achievements

[2] [5]

Domestic honours

Pre-independence (pre-1980)

HonourTitle Year(s)
Champions 51963, 1965, 1970, 1976, 1978
Winners 11976

Post-independence (post-1980)

HonourTitles Year(s)
Champions16 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Runners-up 81987, 1988, 1996, 1999, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2015
Cup of Zimbabwe / Mbada Diamonds CupWinners 71985, 1988, 1989, 1996, 2007, 2011, 2012
Winners8 1983, 1990, 1995, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2017
Zimbabwean Charity Shield Winners 12002

Current squad (2024-2025 season)

1. Prince Tafiremutsa

2. Frank Kuchineyi

3. Tatenda Makoni

4. Frank Makarati (C)

5. Kevin Moyo

6. Emmanuel Jalai

7. Elvis Moyo

8. Tendaishe Magwaza

9. Donald Dzvinyai

10. Nomore Chinyerere

11. Donald Mudadi

12. Tanaka Shandirwa

13. Issa Sadiki

14. Tino Makwinja

15. Shadreck Nyahwa

16. Temptation Chiwunga

17. Emmanuel Ziocha

18. Emmanuel Paga

19. Arthur Musiyiwa

20. Keith Madera

21. Sadney Uri Khob

22. Blessing Dziwo

23. Fredrick Ansah Botchway

24. Freddy Lyndon Alick

25. Elton Chikona

26. Vusa Ngwenya

27. Tendai Chidziva

28. Jayden Bakari

29. Tendai Matindife

30. Trymore Matselele

31. Meki Shaheed Meki

32. Ephany Gwavava

33. Eli Llunga

34. Martin Mapisa

Performance in continental competitions

17 appearances

1981 – Quarter-final

1982 – Second round

1983 – Second round

1984 – Quarter-final

1986 – Second round

1987 – Quarter-final

1990 – Second round

1995 – Quarter-final

1996 – Second round

1998 – Runner-up

1999 – Group stage (Top 8)

2008 – Semi-finalist

2010 – Group stage (Top 8)

2011 – First round

2012 – Second round

2013 – First round

2014 – First round

2 appearances

2004 – Round of 32

2012 – Play-off round

3 appearances

1989 – First round

1991 – Quarter-final

1997 – Second round

Continental record

Rhodesian clubs were barred from African continental competitions as the Rhodesia Football Association was not a member of the CAF. The newly renamed Zimbabwe Football Association was admitted to the CAF following Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, allowing its member clubs to enter continental competitions starting from the 1981 season.

Following Zimbabwe's independence, Dynamos began to compete in the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1981 as Zimbabwean champions. Dynamos reached the quarter-finals at the first attempt. This was matched in 1984 and 1987, then topped in 1998; Dynamos reached the final before losing 4–2 on aggregate to Ivorian champions ASEC Mimosas. Dynamos reached the CAF Champions League semi-finals in 2008, but despite defeating ASEC earlier in the tournament, were overcome by Coton Sport of Cameroon.

Continental football started for Dynamos in the 1981 African Cup of Champions Clubs where they reached the quarter-final stage. They beat Linare and Shooting Stars before being eliminated by JE Tizi-Ouzou. Dynamos did not participate in the 2015 CAF Champions League due to a lack of sponsorship.[6]

Controversy

Dynamos FC have long been accused of benefiting from biased officiating.Their biggest rivals Highlanders FC have constantly complained about tribalism in the administration and officiating of local games.

Matches

Results list Dynamos' goal tally first.

SeasonCompetitionRoundClubFirst match<--Listed as 'first match' instead of 'first leg' to avoid a clash with group stage matches that aren't legs.-->Second match<--Listed as 'second match' instead of 'second leg' to avoid a clash with group stage matches that aren't legs.-->Aggregate
1981African Cup of Champions ClubsR1 Linare5–01–16–1
R2 Shooting Stars2–13–05–1
QF JE Tizi-Ouzou0–32–22–5
1982African Cup of Champions ClubsR1 Botswana Defence Force XI2–22–14–3
R2 Saint-Éloi Lupopo0–01–11–1 (a)
1983African Cup of Champions ClubsR1 AFC Leopards5–10–35–4
R2 Al Ahly1–41–22–6
1984African Cup of Champions ClubsR1 HTMF Mahajanga3–02–05–0
R2 Kampala City Council0–02–12–1
QF JE Tizi-Ouzou2–00–22–2
1986African Cup of Champions ClubsR1 Maji Maji5–12–07–1
R2 Zamalek1–20–21–4
1987African Cup of Champions ClubsR1 Mbabane Highlanders6–12–18–2
R2 Lupopo3–11–14–2
QF Canon Yaoundé1–21–12–3
1989African Cup Winners' CupR1 BFV1–10–11–2
1990African Cup of Champions ClubsR1 Petro Atlético1–11–11–1 (5–4 p)
R2 Al-Hilal2–10–12–2 (a)
1991African Cup Winners' CupR1 Maxaquene5–12–07–1
R2 Diables Noirs2–01–13–1
QF BCC Lions1–10–31–4
1995African Cup of Champions ClubsR1 Al-Hilal1–01–02–0
R2 Chaouia1–13–24–3
QF Express1–01–22–2 (a)
1996African Cup of Champions ClubsR1 Gor Mahia1–01–02–0
R2 Shooting Stars1–53–14–6
1997African Cup Winners' CupPR Sigara0–13–03–1
R1 Bata Bullets1–01–02–0
R2 Jomo Cosmos2–10–22–3
1998CAF Champions LeagueR1 Telecom Wanderers2–12–14–2
R2 Ferroviário Maputo1–11–02–1
GS, GA Eagle Cement3–01–0N/A
GS, GA Accra Hearts of Oak1–10–1N/A
GS, GA Étoile du Sahel1–00–1N/A
F ASEC Mimosas0–02–42–4
1999CAF Champions LeagueR1 Lesotho Defence Force3–01–04–0
R2 Vital'O2–01–03–0
GS, GB Saint-Louisienne0–17–2N/A
GS, GB Espérance0–20–1N/A
GS, GB ASEC Mimosas0–22–1N/A
2004CAF Confederation CupPR Savanne0–03–03–0
R32 King Faisal Babes0–10–40–5
2008CAF Champions LeaguePR Royal Leopards1–02–03–0
R1 Costa do Sol3–01–24–2
R2 Étoile du Sahel1–01–02–0
GS, GA ASEC Mimosas2–12–1N/A
GS, GA Zamalek0–11–0N/A
GS, GA Al Ahly1–20–1N/A
SF Coton Sport0–10–40–5
2010CAF Champions LeagueR1 Saint-Éloi Lupopo1–01–02–0
R2 Gaborone United4–10–14–2
GS, GA TP Mazembe0–21–2N/A
GS, GA Espérance0–10–1N/A
GS, GA ES Sétif1–00–3N/A
2011CAF Champions LeagueR1 MC Alger4–10–34–4 (a)
2012CAF Champions LeagueR1 Liga Muçulmana2–21–03–2
R2 Espérance0–61–11–7
2012CAF Confederation CupPO Interclube0–00–10–1
2013CAF Champions LeaguePR Lesotho Correctional Services3–00–13–1
R1 Bizertin0–31–01–3
2014CAF Champions LeaguePR Mochudi Centre Chiefs3–00–13–1
R1 Vita Club0–00–10–1

Backroom staff

Managerial history

Dates[7] NameNotes
1976–1981
Moses "Bambo"/"Razor Man" Chunga
Peter Fanuel
Luke Masomere
1984–?? Sunday "Mhofu" Chidzambwa
2001 Clemens Westerhof
2003, 2005–2008 Malcom Fourie
2006–2008 David Mandigora
2008–2010 Elvis "Chuchu" Chiweshe
2010–2011 Lloyd Mutasa
2011–2014 Callisto Pasuwa
2015 David "Yogi" Mandigora
2015–2016 Paulo Jorge Silva
2016–2018 Lloyd Mutasa
2019–2022 Tonderayi Ndiraya
Dec 2022-Aug 2023 Herbert Maruwa
Aug 2023–Present Genesis Mangombe (interim)

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rufaro Stadium. Dynamos F.C.. 2010-06-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20151226014714/http://dynamos-fc.co.zw/. 26 December 2015. dead.
  2. Web site: Zimbabwe (and Rhodesia) Champions. Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. 2010-02-03. 7 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230207025352/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesz/zimbchamp.html. live.
  3. News: Grace. Chingoma. Zimbabwe: Dynamos Founding Father Dauya Dies. The Herald. Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Ltd. 14 May 2008. 2008-05-23. 3 October 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121003160003/http://allafrica.com/stories/200805140460.html. live.
  4. News: Dynamos founder Patrick Dzveve dies in Harare. Zim Diaspora. 28 January 2010. 2010-05-27. 3 March 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120303010700/http://www.zimdiaspora.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2698:dynamos-founder-patrick-dzveve-dies-in-harare&catid=38:travel-tips&Itemid=18. dead.
  5. Web site: History of Dynamos F.C.. Dynamos F.C.. 2010-05-27. 15 July 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100715112252/http://www.fcdynamos.com/history. dead.
  6. News: Dynamos pulls out of 2015 Champions League. en. 18 July 2016. SuperSport. 2 December 2014. 12 August 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160812095700/http://www.supersport.com/football/zimbabwe/news/141202/Dynamos_pulls_out_of_2015_Champions_League. live.
  7. Barnes et al. (2001), pp. 54–57.