Chapungu bullish ahead of DeMbare encounter
GWERU – A full house is expected at Ascot Stadium today when Dynamos make their first trip this season to Gweru to play Chapungu in a Castle Lager Premiership match.
The Glamour Boys will also be on the road back to the Midlands Capital later during the course of the season to play against newboys Whawha.
As expected ahead of big matches, the technical department as well as the management had their phones switched off ahead of the encounter.
Last year, the “Waru Waru” technical department and executive gave a media blackout in the run up to the Dynamos game.
Head coach, John Nyikadzino’s mobile phone was not reachable since Wednesday while Chapungu vice chairman Ackroid Moyo’s phone was not reachable even last night.
Chronicle Sport managed to get hold of assistant coach and captain Phillip Marufu who could not commit himself.
“The coach is preparing for training so you can talk to the executive. I’m not allowed to comment,” he said.
Harare-based Chapungu chief executive officer, Chris–Levie Mukotekwa was bullish ahead of the tie.
“We want to maintain the status quo and keep our unbeaten run against Dynamos intact since we returned to the Premiership. We respect Dynamos because they are a big club but that respect ends there and we mean business.
“I’m told the preparations have been going on well and nothing can stop us from beating them again,” he said.
Chapungu who turned Ascot Stadium into a fortress only losing once to Bantu Rovers towards the twilight stages of the season, would want to repeat the same feat this year.
The Glamour Boys were humbled 1-0 while Caps United were beaten 3-0. Highlanders could only manage a nil all draw.
With a completely new side which Nyikadzino said can hold its own to ensure a top eight finish for the airmen, “Waru Waru” would be looking for inspiration from the ageless Marufu as well as veteran former Shabanie Mine defender, Tafadzwa Mombeshora.
Talented former Chrome Stars young defender, Moenda Machingami is also expected to add steel to the team’s rear guard which will be tested by the marauding Dynamos strikers fronted by Simbarashe Nhivi.
The Glamour Boys would be spurred by their 3-0 win over Buffaloes this year which was their first win on the first day of the season since 2012. The Chronicle
