HARARE - Dynamos were crowned champions of Zimbabwe for a record 19th time yesterday when they drew 1-1 at Hardbody to secure the point they needed to win the Castle Premiership title.

Rodreck Mutuma scored for Dynamos after 35 minutes before Calisto Maheya equalised for Hardbody with a 52nd minute strike to ensure a nervy ending for Dynamos.

Like the true champions they are, Dynamos played second fiddle to a determined and spirited Hardbody but defended gallantly until the end to secure the all-important game.  

Dynamos came into the match favourites to run over the already relegated Gweru side, but Hardbody had other ideas.  

Hardbody started brightly with Owen Motsi, who was lively on the right attacking flank, causing a lot of problems for Ocean Mushure.

Motsi won the ball just outside the box and went in between Mushure and Gift Bello but his goal-bound shot was deflected for a corner by Partson Jaure.

A minute later Motsi benefited from a long clearance from the back which eluded Jaure in defence but Hardbody’s best player on view shot straight at George Chigova under challenge from Bello.

The dominance in the early stages gave Hardbody a sense of belief and they continued taking the game to their opponents as they supported the man on the ball, going forward in numbers and defending in numbers.

DeMbare slowly came out of their shell with Denver Mukamba getting to the end of a nice build-up involving Simba Sithole and Roderick Mutuma but the star midfielder agonisingly shot over the bar.

Moments later, Mukamba got another chance when he twisted and turned Hardbody defenders but again he shot way off target.

Mutuma came right two minutes later when he beat Hardbody goalkeeper Ashley Rayners from close range.
DeMbare won a free kick outside the box after Roy Useni brought down Mukamba.

Thomas Magorimbo lobbed the ball over Hardbody defenders and Sithole headed the ball on to the path of Mutuma who had an easy task of tapping the ball past the goalkeeper.

With the goal, Dynamos temporarily gained control of the game and could have increased the lead just a minute before the break when Mushure hit the bar after he had shrugged off a challenge from Richard Jongwe.

The home side found the equaliser through Calisto Maheya, who headed in a free kick from Pinniel Manhope on the right.

Hardbody won the free kick after Mushure fouled Dumisani Mufudze and Manhope whipped in an inviting cross that caught Dynamos defenders napping, allowing Maheya to head past a badly-positioned Chigova to silence the multitudes of Dynamos supporters who had engulfed the small Ascot Stadium.

Sensing danger, Dynamos coach Calisto Pasuwa brought in Murape Murape for Sekete in the 56th minute but the veteran player took time to settle as Hardbody were a constant threat especially going forward where they attacked in numbers.

The Glamour Boys however, did well to hold on until the end, sparking off scenes of wild celebrations after referee Thomas Masaa blew to end the match. - Sports Writer