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.

Dynamos Harare
Full nameDynamos Football Club
Nickname(s)DeMbare, The Glamour Boys
Founded1963; 61 years ago (1963)[1][2]
GroundRufaro Stadium, National Sports Stadium
Harare, Zimbabwe
Capacity60,000[3]
CoachGenesis Mangombe (interim)
LeagueZimbabwe Premier Soccer League
20233rd

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

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Dynamos Football Club was founded in 1963.[1] 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.[2][4] To this end, Dauya prepared an emblem and wrote a club constitution.[2] 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.[1] Dynamos became the first black team to consistently challenge the predominantly white Rhodesia National Football League, winning successive championships in 1965 and 1966.[1] 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.[5] Known as "Amato the Devil" or the "midfield magician",[5] he was subsequently targeted by two English clubs, Arsenal and Aston Villa; however, Ndola refused to sell him.[4]

 
The original first team poses with the Austin Cup in 1963

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".[4] 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 team's 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

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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.[4]

The club's colours are blue and white.[3]

Stadium

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

Honours and achievements

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As of 18 July 2016[1][4]

Domestic honours

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Pre-independence (pre-1980)

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Honour Title Year(s)
Rhodesia National Football League Champions 5 1963, 1965, 1970, 1976, 1978
Cup of Rhodesia Winners 1 1976

Post-independence (post-1980)

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Honour Titles Year(s)
Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League Champions 16 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Runners-up 8 1987, 1988, 1996, 1999, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2015
Cup of Zimbabwe / Mbada Diamonds Cup Winners 7 1985, 1988, 1989, 1996, 2007, 2011, 2012
Zimbabwean Independence Trophy Winners 8 1983, 1990, 1995, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2017
Zimbabwean Charity Shield Winners 1 2002

Current squad (2024-2025 season)

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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

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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
2004 – Round of 32
2012 – Play-off round
1989 – First round
1991 – Quarter-final
1997 – Second round

Continental record

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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

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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

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Results list Dynamos' goal tally first.
Season Competition Round Club First match Second match Aggregate
1981 African Cup of Champions Clubs R1   Linare 5–0 1–1 6–1  
R2   Shooting Stars 2–1 3–0 5–1  
QF   JE Tizi-Ouzou 0–3 2–2 2–5  
1982 African Cup of Champions Clubs R1   Botswana Defence Force XI 2–2 2–1 4–3  
R2   Saint-Éloi Lupopo 0–0 1–1 1–1 (a)  
1983 African Cup of Champions Clubs R1   AFC Leopards 5–1 0–3 5–4  
R2   Al Ahly 1–4 1–2 2–6  
1984 African Cup of Champions Clubs R1   HTMF Mahajanga 3–0 2–0[n 1] 5–0  
R2   Kampala City Council 0–0 2–1 2–1  
QF   JE Tizi-Ouzou 2–0 0–2 2–2  
1986 African Cup of Champions Clubs R1   Maji Maji 5–1 2–0[n 2] 7–1  
R2   Zamalek 1–2 0–2 1–4  
1987 African Cup of Champions Clubs R1   Mbabane Highlanders 6–1 2–1 8–2  
R2   Lupopo 3–1 1–1 4–2  
QF   Canon Yaoundé 1–2 1–1 2–3  
1989 African Cup Winners' Cup R1   BFV 1–1 0–1 1–2  
1990 African Cup of Champions Clubs R1   Petro Atlético 1–1 1–1 1–1 (5–4 p)  
R2   Al-Hilal 2–1 0–1 2–2 (a)  
1991 African Cup Winners' Cup R1   Maxaquene 5–1 2–0 7–1  
R2   Diables Noirs 2–0 1–1 3–1  
QF   BCC Lions 1–1 0–3 1–4  
1995 African Cup of Champions Clubs R1   Al-Hilal 1–0 1–0 2–0  
R2   Chaouia 1–1 3–2 4–3  
QF   Express 1–0 1–2 2–2 (a)  
1996 African Cup of Champions Clubs R1   Gor Mahia 1–0 1–0 2–0  
R2   Shooting Stars 1–5 3–1 4–6  
1997 African Cup Winners' Cup PR   Sigara 0–1 3–0 3–1  
R1   Bata Bullets 1–0 1–0 2–0  
R2   Jomo Cosmos 2–1 0–2 2–3  
1998 CAF Champions League R1   Telecom Wanderers 2–1 2–1 4–2  
R2   Ferroviário Maputo 1–1 1–0 2–1  
GS, GA   Eagle Cement 3–0 1–0 N/A
GS, GA   Accra Hearts of Oak 1–1 0–1 N/A
GS, GA   Étoile du Sahel 1–0 0–1 N/A
F   ASEC Mimosas 0–0 2–4 2–4  
1999 CAF Champions League R1   Lesotho Defence Force 3–0 1–0 4–0  
R2   Vital'O 2–0 1–0 3–0  
GS, GB   Saint-Louisienne 0–1 7–2 N/A
GS, GB   Espérance 0–2 0–1 N/A
GS, GB   ASEC Mimosas 0–2 2–1 N/A
2004 CAF Confederation Cup PR   Savanne 0–0 3–0 3–0  
R32   King Faisal Babes 0–1 0–4 0–5  
2008 CAF Champions League PR   Royal Leopards 1–0 2–0 3–0  
R1   Costa do Sol 3–0 1–2 4–2  
R2   Étoile du Sahel 1–0 1–0 2–0  
GS, GA   ASEC Mimosas 2–1 2–1 N/A
GS, GA   Zamalek 0–1 1–0 N/A
GS, GA   Al Ahly 1–2 0–1 N/A
SF   Coton Sport 0–1 0–4 0–5  
2010 CAF Champions League R1   Saint-Éloi Lupopo 1–0 1–0 2–0  
R2   Gaborone United 4–1 0–1 4–2  
GS, GA   TP Mazembe 0–2 1–2 N/A
GS, GA   Espérance 0–1 0–1 N/A
GS, GA   ES Sétif 1–0 0–3 N/A
2011 CAF Champions League R1   MC Alger 4–1 0–3 4–4 (a)  
2012 CAF Champions League R1   Liga Muçulmana 2–2 1–0 3–2  
R2   Espérance 0–6 1–1 1–7  
2012 CAF Confederation Cup PO   Interclube 0–0 0–1 0–1  
2013 CAF Champions League PR   Lesotho Correctional Services 3–0 0–1 3–1  
R1   Bizertin 0–3 1–0 1–3  
2014 CAF Champions League PR   Mochudi Centre Chiefs 3–0 0–1 3–1  
R1   Vita Club 0–0 0–1 0–1  
  1. ^ HTMF Mahajanga withdrew after the first leg, Dynamos were awarded a 2–0 win.[7]
  2. ^ Maji Maji withdrew after the first leg, Dynamos were awarded a 2–0 win.[8]

Backroom staff

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Managerial history

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Dates[9] Name Notes
1976–1981   Charles Zindoga Musabayane
  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)
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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Zimbabwe (and Rhodesia) Champions". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  2. ^ a b c Chingoma, Grace (14 May 2008). "Zimbabwe: Dynamos Founding Father Dauya Dies". The Herald. Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Ltd. Archived from the original on 3 October 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2008.
  3. ^ a b "Rufaro Stadium". Dynamos F.C. Archived from the original on 26 December 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2010.
  4. ^ a b c d e "History of Dynamos F.C." Dynamos F.C. Archived from the original on 15 July 2010. Retrieved 27 May 2010.
  5. ^ a b "Dynamos founder Patrick Dzveve dies in Harare". Zim Diaspora. 28 January 2010. Archived from the original on 3 March 2012. Retrieved 27 May 2010.
  6. ^ "Dynamos pulls out of 2015 Champions League". SuperSport. 2 December 2014. Archived from the original on 12 August 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  7. ^ "African Club Competitions 1984". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. 18 July 2016. Archived from the original on 7 August 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  8. ^ "African Club Competitions 1986". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. 18 July 2016. Archived from the original on 7 August 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  9. ^ Barnes et al. (2001), pp. 54–57.