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News

Zimbabwe: Ziocha Steps Out of Shell

todayOctober 3, 2024 1

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Dynamos midfielder Emmanuel Ziocha is a man who has always drawn mixed sentiments among the fans but on Saturday he went the extra mile to prove his quality and worth in the Harare giants ranks.

The stage was Rufaro and the occasion was a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League city derby clash against Dynamos’ bogey side Herentals from which Lloyd Chigowe’s men emerged 2-1 winners.

This means that Chigowe remains unbeaten in the Premiership since being elevated into interim head coach following Genesis Mangombe’s departure.

And Ziocha, who replaced the injured Valentine Kadonzvo in the 35th minute, significantly impacted the game’s dynamics in the second half.

He delivered two assists with some fine skill to set up Donald Mudadi, who grabbed a brace in quick succession that drew some animated celebration from Chigowe and his assistant Joel Luphahla on the technical bench.

Ziocha and Mudadi are not new to each other as they played together and established a formidable partnership at Harare City before coming to Dynamos last season.

However, that partnership has not emerged at Dynamos, 18 months on.

But there has been some spark that could reignite into a dangerous combination if the performance by the duo on Saturday is anything to go by.

Chigowe is credited with allowing Ziocha to come out of his shell and realise his potential.

Dynamos had been absent from domestic league duties because of their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup where they bowed out at the hands of Orapa United of Botswana at the second-round preliminary round stage.

Despite their brief flirtation with the Confederation Cup, Ziocha believes they picked some invaluable experience.

“Coming from the Confederation Cup where we faced more competitive football and opposition than here in the local game, we are more determined and courageous as players than before,” Zioacha said.

“Even the way that I came into the match showed something. I wanted the team to win and it was a great performance.

“It has been a long time since I made a major contribution to the team regarding creating and scoring goals,” he said.

Ziocha thinks he has settled at Dynamos and is looking forward to continuing to make an impact at the club.

Dynamos and Ziocha have very little time to enthuse over the victory over Herentals as they must focus on their delayed Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final match against Yadah at Rufaro tomorrow.