Chivayo Dangles New Bus As Dynamos Prepare For Derby Showdown

Wicknell Chivayo has promised Dynamos a brand-new team bus — but only if they can overcome Harare rivals CAPS United in Sunday’s “Battle of Harare”.

The pledge comes at a tense moment for the Glamour Boys. Dynamos head into the derby at Rufaro Stadium winless in their last four Castle Lager Premier Soccer League outings, their recent slump capped by a 2-1 defeat to Chicken Inn that snapped a 20-match unbeaten league run stretching back to last season.

Their old foes are hardly in sparkling form either. CAPS United, despite a strong campaign so far, were stunned 1-0 at home by Bulawayo Chiefs at the weekend.

Chivayo’s offer surfaced during a Capitalk Radio phone-in session. Moved by a passionate plea from a DeMbare supporter, he vowed to replace the club’s ageing bus, which has long been a source of ridicule, particularly in the heated back-and-forth between rival fans on social media.

Dynamos chairman Vincent Chawonza said the club would welcome any incentives that motivate the team ahead of the crunch tie.

With pride, points, and now a new bus on the line, Sunday’s Battle of Harare has an extra layer of intrigue.

“We have heard about it, and we hope to get it formalised,” Chawonza said.

“As Dynamos, we are rebuilding our brand, and we are happy that some stakeholders and prospective partners are showing interest in joining hands with us.

“At Dynamos, the door is always open to anyone or any organisation that so wishes to partner the team in any way.

“That said, we welcome Sir Wicknell’s gesture, and the challenge is now on us as a team to make sure we play our part and be able to claim the promise.”

Dynamos are still running on a bus donated by Nyaradzo more than a decade ago, so news that Chivayo has thrown down the gauntlet has thrilled the Glamour Boys faithful.

Earlier this year, Chivayo made a similar gesture to Dynamos’ fiercest rivals, Highlanders, when he presented the Bulawayo giants with a brand-new 75-seater luxury coach worth around US$285,000.

For Dynamos, however, there is a catch: they must overcome bitter rivals CAPS United to lay claim to the promise.

More: The Herald