Jaure rallies DeMbare ahead of derby

By Eddie Chikamhi

CAN Dynamos produce the magic to maintain their dominance over bitter rivals CAPS United tomorrow? The Harare giants will revive their long-standing rivalry when they clash at the National Sports Stadium in a match neither side isprepared to lose. Kick off is at 2pm. 

DeMbare carry a psychological advantage as they have claimed the bragging rights in the last three seasons. Dynamos have collected maximum points against their opponents in the last seven league meetings spread over a period of almost four years.

But the Green Machine appear more determined to stop the tide this season, judging by the mood from their camp. Despite their own inconsistencies CAPS United find themselves at par with reigning league champions Dynamos on 15 points after nine games.

However, this year’s derby looks different, with several new faces expected to take part for the first time.

As is usually the case, tension has been building during the week and Dynamos defender Partson Jaure, who has been involved in the last two years, has rallied his teammates to rise to the stage as they look to collect three points.

“This is a crucial game for us as Dynamos, plus it’s an important fixture on the calendar. So I am urging my teammates, both the new guys and the old ones, to put maximum effort,” said Jaure.

DeMbare have had a sluggish start in their campaign to the season winning only three games from nine starts and drawing six times.

As defending champions, Dynamos found themselves on the back-foot after drawing their first five games while their rivals Highlanders and FC Platinum, who lead the table on 20 points, were winning.

But victories over Tripple B, Monomotapa and Hwange have given them a renewed sense of hope.

“Sometimes in football things may not turn out just the way you want. We started off on a very low note but I am happy with the efforts that we are putting in as a team and everything now looks bright.

“We just don’t want to lose to CAPS United yet, so we should not get too much comfort from previous records. Instead we would need to concentrate on the job at hand.

“I understand CAPS United are playing well. They have been winning games and we have also had some encouraging results of late, so we expect a very interesting match,” said Jaure.

DeMbare will be expecting a lot from their in-form striker Washington Pakamisa, who comes face-to-face with his former paymasters for the first time since crossing the Great Divide at the beginning of the season.

Pakamisa, however, has been under treatment for a groin injury during the week while the likes of Patrick Khumbula, Francesco Zekumbawira, Byron Madzokere, Ocean Mushure, Tichaona Mabvura and Augustine Mbara were still being monitored.

Dynamos coach Callisto Pasuwa will be hoping for a full squad at his disposal as he welcomed most of the players from long-term injuries.

CAPS United were comprehensively defeated the last time when they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat courtesy of goals from Farai Mupasiri, Guthrie Zhokinyi and Cliff Sekete at the giant stadium.

Pasuwa said DeMbare are inspired to produce positive results, while acknowledging the serious challenge they face from Makepekepe this season.

“CAPS United have been playing very well. They have got youngsters who are very energetic but we are going into this game with a better mindset to win.

“We have to go there and play and the better team on the day will win. But most importantly we need a positive mind,” said Pasuwa.

The DeMbare coach also urged the club’s supporters to root behind the team.

Some sections of the DeMbare supporters at times have the tendency to turn against their team when the tide is going against them but the coach believes that will only put the team under pressure.

“In every game that we play we go there with the mind to collect three points but in football there are three results to be expected.

“You win, you lose or you draw so when we go out there we will be looking for a win. We and the supporters included, I hope they come in numbers as we are geared to get a positive result.

“All the games that we play are pressure games. You can even see the way we were playing starting from the beginning of the season.

“For instance, playing a team like Mambas, people would be quick to think that it’s a small team but there are no longer small teams these days.

“But it’s your approach that may make you win or lose a game at the end of the day. Therefore approach and positive attitude are very important when playing in any game.

“We are going to do our best to get the three points on Sunday (tomorrow). We need the supporters to be strongly behind the team.” The Herald