Dynamos coach Aristica Cioaba has played down his individual recognition as the July Coach of the Month, insisting the award belongs to the entire Glamour Boys family after a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.

Cioaba, who took charge of Dynamos in June following the departure of Genesis Mangombe, has overseen a significant improvement in performances, helping revive confidence at the Harare giants.

Speaking after being recognised for his July exploits, the Romanian said the award was a reflection of the collective effort by the players, technical team and executive.

“Congratulations to all the staff, all the players, all the executive. Everybody is working very nicely this month of July and the result is coming from the whole group, not only for me,” Cioaba said.

“I am happy about it, and let’s continue more, more like this in the future.”

Cioaba inherited Dynamos at a turbulent time following the suspension and eventual departure of Mangombe, with the club undergoing a broader restructuring of its technical department.

The Romanian had initially arrived as technical director before being elevated to first-team duties after securing his work permit. His appointment came at a time when Dynamos were searching for consistency after struggling for much of the previous campaign.

However, Cioaba’s arrival has coincided with a sharp change in the Glamour Boys’ fortunes.

Dynamos thrashed Agama 4-0 in his first league match in charge before beating MWOS 2-0, with the results helping restore belief among the supporters.

The Glamour Boys also defeated Hardrock 2-1 in the completion of their abandoned fixture, giving Cioaba victories in his opening stretch with the team.

The coach said the improvement was not simply about results, but about changing the mentality and philosophy of the team.

“When I came here, from the first day I was talking to you, I said give me time to change the philosophy and mentality of the team, put in the good plan and let the team play good football,” he said.

“For the supporters, our team must play normal football. Sometimes the result is coming, sometimes the result is not coming, but we need time.”

Cioaba said he remained encouraged by what he sees during training, particularly the commitment of the players to his methods.

“I am confident about what I see every day in our job here on the pitch. The players are working very hard, they listen to me and understand what I need. In the future, I am sure we are going to have better results from this team,” he said.

The Romanian has also moved to strengthen his technical team, with Dynamos bringing in a Ghanaian assistant coach who previously worked with him in Ghana.

Cioaba said he is also considering a Zimbabwean assistant, revealing that three local Premier Soccer League coaches are being assessed as potential candidates.

“I now have one assistant coach who came to work with me in Ghana. He is a good man, young mentality, and I have four players from Ghana, so there is good communication between the players and coaches who know my philosophy,” he said.

“I have another vacant position for an assistant coach here from Zimbabwe. I have selected three coaches from the Zimbabwe Premier League who could possibly come in December.”

Cioaba said the intention was to create continuity rather than repeatedly changing the technical team.

He also revealed that Dynamos are looking at building a squad for the long term, with several foreign players already brought into the club.

“I have eight foreign players already here in the team. I selected some players who are young, 21 or 22, talented players, and they are coming here for a long-term plan, not only for six months and then cancel the contract and bring another player,” he said.

“If you want to have a good and strong team, you need consistency. Maintain one group for one season or two seasons and after that our team becomes better.”

That long-term approach comes as Dynamos seek to re-establish themselves among the country’s leading clubs. The club’s rebuilding project has already included changes to the technical department and a push to create a more stable structure around Cioaba.

The coach’s immediate focus, however, remains on winning matches.

“I like to win every game. If I lose one game, I am not good, I am not good,” Cioaba said.

“That is my mentality. I like to put inside the players the fighting spirit for every game, to respect our tactical plan every game and try our best to win the game.”

Despite the pressure that comes with coaching one of Zimbabwe’s biggest clubs, Cioaba said he was not feeling overwhelmed.

“I don’t have any pressure. I continue the job. For me, it is the job,” he said.

“I come here every day for the job, two hours before the training starts. The staff comes here, we prepare our plan and then we go very seriously into training and respect what is the plan for the training and what is the plan for the week.”

Cioaba’s comments come after Dynamos’ impressive run under his guidance was briefly checked by a goalless draw against Simba Bhora at Rufaro.

The result ended a run of improved performances, although Cioaba remained positive about the team’s fighting spirit and urged supporters to remain patient.

The coach also addressed the disappointment surrounding Dynamos’ recent setback and urged the club’s supporters and stakeholders to look forward rather than dwell on past problems.

“I forget everything. Everybody understands the situation. No need to talk and remember again. It was before one week. Normal,” he said.

Cioaba believes the club’s future should be built around stability, professional structures and a clear football philosophy.

“This is Dynamos’ plan,” he said. “Next season you will come and see us put together a good team, fighting for the first position, fighting for the top.”