By Eddie Chikamhi
The two leaders are on the road today, in tricky and difficult assignments, and after weeks of relentlessly stalking each other, something could change this afternoon.
Dynamos versus Chicken Inn at Barbourfields and Highlanders versus Hwange at the Colliery – one of the two giants could slip this afternoon.
Race leaders Dynamos are feeling the pressure at the top and know they need to improve on their recent show to keep their winning run alive against plucky Chicken Inn. Highlanders, trailing just two points behind, have indicated that they are also not resting on their laurels against Hwange at the Colliery.
Defending champions Dynamos will welcome back to their fold the quartet of Farai Mupasiri, Cliff Sekete, Devon Chafa and Partson Jaure who missed the last game against Motor Action at the weekend.
Chafa and Jaure were serving their suspension while the other pair was recovering from injuries. Still there are more casualties in their dressing room as newboy Simba Sithole is down with a knee injury while George Magariro and Tichaona Mabvura are out with ankle problems.
Although DeMbare have been winning their matches, their overall performance has been far from convincing, of late. But the return of Sekete should give life to their midfield where Denver Mukamba, Tawanda Muparati, Murape Murape will also be vying for starting places.
Assistant coach Tonderai Ndiraya said they are ready for Chicken Inn while conceding they are now feeling the pressure in the race as Highlanders keep breathing down their necks. Dynamos lead the pack with 52 points. “Being at the top means that you will always have to contend with pressure,” he said.
“It’s similar to running in a marathon where you would need to focus on the finishing line and at the same time constantly looking over your shoulder to see how far the next guy is.
“We fought a similar battle last year when we had to come from behind and win the title after trailing the top team for most of the season but it’s a bit tricky now because we are the top team.
“I tell you it’s a huge challenge and we need the right attitude. It’s important to focus on one game at a time and make sure that we get as many points as we can,” said Ndiraya. Chicken Inn coach, Adam Ndlovu, said they were comfortable with the underdog tag and would give DeMbare all the respect they deserve.
The Gamecock are currently sixth on the log standings, 17 points adrift of the Glamour Boys. “We have a tough challenge on our hands because they are one of the top teams in the country. Dynamos are the reigning champions and they have played in both the Champions League and the Confederation Cup this year.
“It’s not easy to play against such an experienced side. But the good thing is that we don’t have any pressure because we are not in the same position with them or Highlanders who are vying for the championship,” said Ndlovu.
The Gamecocks will welcome back former national team defender Herbert Dick and Sydney Linyama from suspension. Chicken Inn have been disappointing, given the high standards they set, in their last three games. They are also likely to enjoy the backing of the Highlanders supporters.
Bosso are away to Hwange and in-form midfielder Masimba Mambare said they would need to put an extra shift at the Colliery.
“These are all tough games remaining because we are nearing the end of the race. We will need to put extra effort as we need to be always a gear up and make sure that we stay on course. Of course, Hwange haven’t been doing well of late but they are at home and you know what it means playing in familiar conditions.
“Obviously, they need to start winning consistently to revive their campaign. In football, anything is possible but we look forward to something positive and we are praying that we continue with our good run,” said Mambare.
CAPS United coach, Taurai Mangwiro, has warned his charges to guard against complacency when they host tricky opponents Blue Rangers at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
The Green Machine are currently enjoying good returns after stringing together three important wins in succession in their recent matches, which include an impressive 2-0 away triumph over FC Platinum at the weekend.
Mangwiro is worried that his players could be tempted to treat relegation-threatened Rangers, who have improved rapidly under coach Partson Ndabambi, with kids’ gloves.
Rangers held Dynamos to a draw at Rufaro, under Ndabambi, and were unlucky to lose 1-2 to Bosso at Barbourfields in a Mbada Diamonds Cup tie where their ‘keeper was sent off. They were impressive in a 3-1 demolition of Quelaton.
Makepekepe will again miss the services of striker Washington Pakamisa through a groin problem and midfielder Edmore Chafungamoyo who is nursing a calf injury. Winger Rahman Kutsanzira was certified fit and should add to the attacking options.
“I would like to believe that complacency could be our biggest enemy in this match, especially after returning from a winning assignment against such a good side as FC Platinum.
“We can only underrate Blue Rangers at our own peril. Of course, we have had a fine run but there is no reason we should be getting carried away at this point. We have been telling the guys to keep focused,” said Mangwiro.
Fixtures Week 23
Today: Shabanie v Black Mambas (Maglas), Chicken Inn v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Hwange v Highlanders (Colliery), CAPS United v Blue Rangers (National Sports Stadium), Gunners v FC Platinum (Lafarge), Quelaton FC v Monomotapa (Luveve), Motor Action v Buffaloes (Motor Action Sports Club)
Tomorrow: Harare City v Hardbody (Rufaro).
