Mutuma is a special case — Ndiraya
By Langton Nyakwenda
HARARE – Dynamos coach Tonderayi Ndiraya concedes that dealing with controversial striker Rodrick Mutuma is a delicate task.
Commenting for the first time since the much-publicised training ground fall-out between Mutuma and fellow strike Takesure Chinyama, the Dynamos coach described the self proclaimed Prince as a “player whose strong desire to be always on top gets him easily frustrated”.
“Dealing with him, especially when he is not scoring, is not easy,” said Ndiraya. “He easily gets frustrated; he tries too much to be always on top. The whole problem began after the 5-0 win over Whawha at Rufaro when he missed a glut of chances.
“You could see he was trying to do too much, more than was necessary. In the end, he was drifting away from his position, in search of the ball. That is what his teammates were trying to impress upon him at training, it was not only Teki (Chinyama) who spoke to him about it.
“Chinyama only emphasised the point and Mutuma didn’t take it lightly, he lost his cool and that is how it all happened. We had to step in and control the situation, but I feel the whole thing was blown out of proportion.”
Ndiraya said he had a heart-to-heart with Mutuma.
“What Mutuma does is normal for a player who always wants to be on top. He craves success and wants to score in every match.
“Now if he experiences a dry spell, and he misses clear chances like those in the league game against Whawha, you know his temperature will rise and you have to handle him with care at training.
“I personally sat down with him, ordered him to respect the club and his teammates. I impressed the need for him to show respect when dealing with Chinyama, who is a very senior and experienced player.
“I also reprimanded Chinyama and told him to keep his cool when dealing with other players. I then challenged them both to prove to our fans that the training bust up was now a bygone.
“They went on and combined well for that goal against Chicken Inn and we are still in it with a chance to win a double, that is the league and the Chibuku Super Cup,” said the Dynamos mentor.
The two Dynamos marksmen seem to have made up if subsequent events at training are anything to go by.
“Nothing much happened, it was a silly issue. It is over; we have to move on as a united DeMbare, especially now that we are approaching the season’s home run,” said Mutuma.
“The whole issue was exaggerated. Everyone at the club knows how invaluable Chinyama is, he is my senior and I learn a lot from him. It is not even worth writing about it, it’s a small story.”
Chinyama refused to talk about the issue.
While the league title race is no longer in DeMbare’s hands, the defending champions are still in control of their Chibuku Super Cup destiny.
A victory over a physical Chapungu side – powered by ex-DeMbare players Philip Marufu, Patrick Khumbula, Allan Tavarwisa and the Airmen’s leading scorer with eight goals Tinei Chitora – will take them to the final.
Ndiraya is wary of the threat posed by the former Dynamos players.
“These players know our culture and system, so they will obviously give their coach some few tips. They are doing a very good job for Chapungu,” he said.
DeMbare’s magical midfielder Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo has recovered from a thigh injury suffered at Barbourfields last Sunday while steely defensive linkman Steven Alimenda (ankle) will have to face a late fitness test.
Utility player Obey Mwerahari is capable of providing ample cover for Alimenda, while Godknows Murwira can easily slot in at right back. Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino chose to be diplomatic ahead of a match he regards as the club’s biggest this season.
“We are playing a team with four consecutive league titles and it looks like they will bag a fifth one. When we talk of local football we have got to respect Dynamos because they are not the most successful team by chance.
“But, when we go out there to Mandava, we will not make it easy for them, we will fight tooth and nail,” he said. The Sunday Mail
