By Ishemunyoro Chingwere
Division One-bound Hardbody FC have stoked the flames ahead of their title-deciding clash against defending champions and log leaders Dynamos at Ascot today, saying a victory over the Harare giants will heal their relegation-inflicted wounds.
The Gweru-based outfit failed to withstand the heat that comes with big boys’ football and have been forced to retrace their footprints back to the unfashionable first division, but before that, they will have to have a say on who should be crowned champions.
Dynamos go into the final round of the championship leading second-placed and bitter rivals Highlanders — who visit another relegated side Blue Rangers at Gwanzura — by two points and both sides know that they need outright victories.
PSL chief executive Kennedy Ndebele yesterday said an Airforce jet would be on standby to fly in the trophy to any of the two venues where the champions will be crowned.
The log leaders, however, have the luxury to draw and still retain the title, provided Bosso will not beat Partson Ndabambi’s Rangers by more than 10 goals without reply. A very unlikely scenario though.
Hardbody coach Godfrey Tamirepi dismissed the notion that his charges have nothing to play for and might present the league title on a silver platter for Dynamos.
“Yes we have been relegated, but we need to go out with pride. Beating Dynamos at home will be the biggest gift to our fans and for us it is akin to 10 wins.
“We are also mindful of the fact that they are in the championship race and need a victory against us to defend their title so we will practise fair play and will not make it easy for them,” Tamirepi said.
Watosvorwa, as Hardbody are fondly referred to, have not been pushovers at Ascot since Tamirepi took over and only lost twice to Highlanders and Buffaloes. Thus DeMbare assistant coach Tichaona Diya will be hoping that his machine will be in perfect working order.
“Hardbody are sinking and we all know a draw will be enough to win us the championship, but that is no justification to underrate them. We have thus made it clear to the players that we are not going to Gweru for a draw but for an outright win.’’
The DeMbare trainer would also not be forced into celebratory mode, stressing that the Hardbody match needs to be accorded the respect it deserves.
“There is still a lot to play for and right now the focus is on how to collect maximum points against Hardbody and only after that will we start talking about the championship,” he told journalists.
“We are also appealing to our supporters to throng the stadia and show that we are one big family. We have been together since the beginning of the season and we still need their support to finish what we began together,” said Diya.
Talisman Denver Mukamba, who has been in inspired form all season and is in pole position to be crowned Soccer Star of the Year barring any patronage voting, will be hoping to find his footing at Ascot and close the 2012 chapter on a high on both individual and collective fronts.
If the Zimbabwe midfield genius can replicate the same artistry that has been the hallmark of his game this far, then the hosts’ Nhlanhla Ncube, Richard Jongwe, captain Brian Juru, and Hillary Gravel will have a torrid time in midfield in the absence of Stephen Alumenda, who is suspended.
Joana Mangisi and Andrew Chuma, who are likely to provide the much-needed shield to goalkeeper Ashely Rainers, have a herculean task in trying to stop red-hot Simba Sithole and Farai Mupasiri’s quest for conquest that is set to force Kenny Mubaiwa — the Dynamos chairman — to make space for another big trophy in the club’s decorated cabinet.
Dynamos have carried their best possible soldiers and chances of Hardbody posting a major upset look highly unlikely with Partson Jaure, Gift Bello, left-back Ocean Mushure all ready to repel danger that might be conjured against George Chigova.
On the other hand, Bosso’s Zambian mentor Kelvin Kaindu, who comes into the match minus consistent defender Eric Mudzingwa, says all hope is not lost and they could still lay their hands on the crown.
“They (Dynamos) have not won it as yet otherwise the authorities would have handed it over to them by now. So until a point at which the league title is handed over to the Dynamos captain, we will fight on,’’ warned Kaindu.
“Football being football, anything can happen on the last day and we bounce back, so we go into our last game with a positive mindset,” said the former Tshilamoya midfielder.
Kaindu, whose side appeared to be on a trailblazing run before they were brought down by an inspired Monomotapa and encountered a string of damaging draws, has of late been forced to eat humble pie and diplomatically concede Dynamos were favourites to retain the title.
The gifted Zambian mentor has used every opportunity to enthuse that he, in fact, was building a team for next season despite having earlier on boldly declared that Highlanders “cannot play for anything else short of titles”.
If DeMbare go on to bag their 19th title, as is widely expected, the whistle-loving Highlanders fans who, on nine occasions, celebrated draws as a point gained, will realise that those were actually two points dropped. Sunday Mail
