# Dynamos F.C.

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. 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. To this end, Dauya prepared an emblem and wrote a club constitution. 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. Dynamos became the first black team to consistently challenge the predominantly white Rhodesia National Football League, winning successive championships in 1965 and 1966. 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. Known as "Amato the Devil" or the "midfield magician", 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". 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

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.
The club's colours are blue and white.

## Stadium

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

## Honours and achievements

    As of 18 July 2016

### Domestic honours
#### Pre-independence (pre-1980)

| Honour | 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)

| Honour | 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 |
| Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League | Runners-up | 8 | 1987, 1988, 1996, 1999, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2015 |
| Cup of Zimbabwe / Mbada Diamonds Cup | Winners | 9 | 1985, 1988, 1989, 1996, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2023, 2024 |
| Zimbabwean Independence Trophy | Winners | 9 | 1983, 1990, 1995, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2021 |
| Zimbabwean Charity Shield | Winners | 5 | 2002, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 |

## 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

* African Cup of Champions Clubs/CAF Champions League: 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
* CAF Confederation Cup: 2 appearances
       2004 – Round of 32
       2012 – Play-off round
* African Cup Winners' Cup: 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.

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

## Backroom staff
### Managerial history

| Dates | Name |
| 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) |