The Prince coming home to DeMbare

By Langton Nyakwenda

RODRECK MUTUMA is dying to wear the Dynamos jersey once more. The gangly striker is in line to play against Hwange at Rufaro today if negotiations between the champions and Caps United conclude before kick-off.

Mutuma agreed personal terms with DeMbare midweek for a sensational return, but clearance from Makepekepe — where the lanky striker inked a two-year deal at the beginning of the season — had not come through by yesterday.

DeMbare are desperate for a sharp striker and were by last night also still waiting for Takesure Chinyama’s international transfer certificate from South Africa.

There are indications negotiations with Makepekepe are yielding results with the club’s acting chairman Mordecai Sachikonye saying they would not stand in Mutuma’s way.

“Look, these negotiations are tripartite; they involve the two clubs and the player himself. As Caps United we will not stand in his way.

“If he wants to rejoin Dynamos we will strike an agreement with them and the deal will be sealed,” said Sachikonye, who is standing in for on-leave Lewis Uriri.

Dynamos secretary Webster Chikengezha said the champions are pushing hard to conclude the deal.

“We have been talking to (Caps United), we will continue even till late today (yesterday) or even until (Sunday) morning before kick-off,” he said.

Mutuma says he “is dying for a chance to wear that blue jersey again”.

“This is my home, I want to play for DeMbare again,” said the striker after a Dynamos practice match with Division One side Yadah Gunners last Thursday.

Dynamos coach David “Yogi” Mandigora, who missed his mid-season target by three points, has demanded a better second half, and adding Mutuma and Chinyama to the ranks could do the trick for his misfiring forward line.

“Takesure will be a massive addition; he has both the technique and the experience. He brings that touch we were missing upfront.

“The advantage is that he has been training with the team for the past three months.

“As for Roddy, no doubt he is a good player, he will improve our game,” said Mandigora.

While doubts hang over the pair’s immediate availability, DeMbare can today call on new signing Richard Kawondera.

Reigning Northern Region Division One League Soccer Star of the Year Zivanai Mhanda’s papers were processed on Friday and the central midfielder could also make his debut.

DeMbare talisman Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo sustained an ankle injury in the Yadah Gunners game and is unlikely to feature against Chipangano.

Dynamos have 27 points, the same haul that record-breaking Kallisto Pasuwa’s side garnered at the same stage last season as they went on to win a fourth straight PSL title.

“There are no more easy games and I think my boys did reasonably well, though I am not happy, we recorded too many draws.

“We now have to step a gear up, that is why we have made some changes to the squad, we want to add firepower upfront,” Mandigora said.

Dynamos drew 1-1 against Hwange in the reverse fixture at the Colliery.

Hwange have always struggled against Dynamos on the road, having last won in Harare on October 17 2010 when former Warriors striker Rodwell Chinyengetere scored an 85th minute winner.

However, Timothy Sibanda, one of the most experienced players in the league having debuted for Hwange in April 2004, believes playing against Dynamos is easier than playing against “the so-called small teams”.

“Our players know they can build their names when playing against Dynamos especially at Rufaro where thousands will be watching. The players are self-motivated and Dynamos should not expect a stroll in the park,” he said.

Hwange are fifth from bottom and will face DeMbare with a depleted side as they are missing five key players. The trio of Newman Sianchali, Phakamani Dube and Nkosana Siwela were involved in a road accident early last week and are recovering at home.

Isaac Masame and Tonisani Sibelo are out injured.

Today’s Fixtures

WhaWha v Dongo Sawmill (Ascot), Dynamos v Hwange (Rufaro), Triangle v Highlanders (Gibbo), How Mine v Buffaloes (Luveve) The Sunday Mail