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and has dedicated the goal to the team’s passionate fans.
Kumbula, a member of the Zimbabwe Under-23 team, rose from the bench in the 66th minute and three minutes later he pounced on a lapse in concentration by the Monomotapa defence to head the crucial goal for their 1-0 win in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at Rufaro on Sunday.
For most of the first half, Dynamos were living dangerously as Monomotapa dominated the exchanges although Makai Kawashu and Mkululi Moyo failed to convert the opportunities.
Dynamos also created their chances but Rodrick Mutuma and Nicholas Alifandika lacked precision.
On many occasions Mutuma did well to receive the ball but was awful in releasing the ball as he was either dispossessed or made stray passes while Alifandika was just having a day off.
It did not come as a surprise when Alifandika was pulled out for Martin Vengesayi at the start of the second half while Mutuma should count himself lucky to last until Kumbula came in.
Dynamos were missing the creativity of Archie Gutu who is trying his luck in Bulgaria and Denver Mukamba was forced to play a central role in midfield.
Mukamba’s place on the left side of midfield was taken by William Kupera but he failed to produce the spark that was needed.
It was only after the introduction of Vengesayi and Kumbula, while Devon Chafa also came in for Kupera, that Dynamos began to breathe some life into the game as Farai Vimisayi and Vimbai Madamombe also came to the party.
“In the first half we did not play well because Farai and William did not have any urgency in their play.
“We talked to them during half time and they improved in the second half, even Vimbai.
“The introduction of Martin gave us some urgency in attack,” said Ralph Kawondera, the Dynamos assistant coach.
Vengesayi crashed his effort against the crossbar in the 50th minute with Monomotapa goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi beaten.
But it was Kumbula who turned the hero of the day with his powerful header and yesterday the player devoted the goal to the fans.
“I was anxiously watching the game from the bench waiting for my chance.
“When they coaches sent me in, they told me what to do.
“Even the other players on the bench told me to score.
“I am glad I repaid the faith shown in me by the coaches,” said Kumbula.
Kumbula, a former Zimbabwe Saints striker, is still a rookie at the Glamour Boys but has promised to deliver more goals.
“At least I was not under pressure from the fans and I dedicate the goal to the fans at Vietnam.
“Depending on whether the coaches choose me to start or to come from the bench, I will try to work hard.
“I hope to score more goals since I have now scored my first Premiership goal,” said Kumbula.
Kumbula has scored four times before for Dynamos during the pre-season but the goal on Sunday was special as it was his first in a competitive game for the Glamour Boys.
Monomotapa coach Taurai Mangwiro believes they were at fault and allowed Kumbula his greatest moment in his young career.
“We had survived other raids which were more dangerous before.
“Their (Dynamos’) goal was out of nothing,” said Mangwiro.
Dynamos will now hope to stretch their fine run against Zimbabwe Saints at Barbourfields in their next game while Monomotapa face winless Gunners.
Gunners are the only team still without a win in the Premiership this season and it’s all looking gloomy for them this season.
On Sunday, Gunners allowed Masvingo United to come from behind and win the tie 3-2.
Ashley Rambanapasi put Gunners ahead in the sixth minute but Masvingo evened the scores through Takunda Mapara.
Mapara sunk his brace before Elton Dzumbunu scored the hosts’ third goal.
Nathan Ziwini pulled one back for Gunners who tottered to their fourth defeat of the season.
Gunners could coach Darlington Dodo, however, was crying foul after the defeat.
“We played very well and Masvingo were gifted with a goal scored from what looked like an offside position while we had a genuine goal disallowed.
“We will continue working hard,” Dodo.
Masvingo United coach Luke Masomere was happy to maintain their unbeaten run at home, which came after the side had suffered a 5-1 defeat to Dynamos.
“I am happy that we won and I am looking forward to the next match.
“I was, however, missing four key players, Tendai Nyamadzawo Blessing Mazorodze, Welcome Ndiweni and Hardlife Muvindi, through injury.
“But I had to use youngsters who impressed,” he said.
FC Platinum continued to impress as they beat Blue Ribbon 1-0 on Saturday while defending champions Motor Action shot to the top of the table.
The Mighty Bulls beat CAPS United 2-0 at Rufaro and the result once again forced a section of the CAPS United fans to call for coach Moses Chunga to resign.
The tense relationship between Chunga and a section of the fans has been one of the big talking points at the Green Machine.
The Mighty Bulls will now brace for yet another top-of-the-table clash against Chicken Inn who beat Zimbabwe Saints 1-0 in a Bulawayo derby.
Hwange were also celebrating after winning for the first time this season when they beat Shooting Stars 2-0 at the Colliery on Sunday.
Latest Castle Premier League Table
Team P W D L F A Pts
Motor Action 7 5 1 1 10 1 16
Chicken Inn 7 5 1 1 12 4 16
FC Platinum 6 5 0 1 12 3 15
Highlanders 7 4 2 1 9 2 14
CAPS Utd 7 4 1 2 16 10 13
Masvingo 7 3 3 1 10 10 12
Dynamos 7 3 2 2 8 4 11
Blue Ribbon 7 3 1 3 8 7 10
Kiglon 7 2 3 2 5 5 9
Zim Saints 7 2 2 3 8 10 8
Hwange 7 1 4 2 7 7 7
Monoz 7 1 4 2 5 8 7
Black Mambas 7 1 1 5 5 9 4
Shabanie 7 1 1 5 4 17 4
Shooting Stars 7 1 0 6 4 13 3
Gunners 6 0 2 4 3 9 2