Dynamos missing key players for ZPC Kariba clash

Harare – Champions Dynamos face an injury crisis ahead of their Sunday clash with ZPC Kariba at the National Sports Stadium with Tawanda Muparati, Ocean Mushure, Clive Kawinga and now midfielder Walter Mukanga out of the tie. 

Coach Callisto Pasuwa has confirmed that they had to drop Mukanga after he suffered a suspected bout of Malaria and the doctors recommended he rest. Goalkeeper George Chigova is also being monitored after complaining of a hip injury.

Masimba Mambare will be out for at least two months after damaging his knee during the Independence Cup semi-final clash against Harare City a fortnight ago.

“Of all the players that we had at How Mine last week I think Walter will be the only one missing for this match because the doctors recommended that he be rested for two days during the week after falling ill,” Pasuwa said.

“The others like Tawanda, Ocean and Clive are still out and George had light training, not because he is seriously injured but that we only want to manage the situation.

Turning to their opponents who held giants CAPS United to a 1-1 draw in their season opener at Gwanzura last week, Pasuwa said;

“ZPC Kariba are only new in name but most of their players and the coach Saul Chaminuka have rich Premiership experience. So their complexion is that of a team that has been playing in the Premiership.

“Again if you look at our history, it’s these so-called small teams that we usually struggle with so we are trying to psyche the boys up so that they don’t underrate them. We need to have the right approach,” said Pasuwa.

Pasuwa’s opposite number Chaminuka said “This is a David and Goliath battle of some sort because we are playing a team that has won the title in the last three seasons, consecutively, yet we have just been promoted.”

“I can’t really say we are teams of the same level and moreover Dynamos are also enjoying the advantage of playing at home. So we have to do our best. It’s a game we need to play with spirit, maintaining the highest level of concentration.

“As I have said before we are working on our fitness in the first month and I am happy with the way we played against CAPS United last week. We look to improve on that, though, and my guys have to prove they deserve to play in the Premiership,” Chaminuka said.