DeMbare in do-or-die game
By Eddie Chikamhi
DEFENDING champions Dynamos have vowed they will turn the tables on log leaders Chicken Inn in a crucial Castle Lager Premiership top-of-the-table clash at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Team manager Richard Chihoro yesterday said the Harare giants are going to Bulawayo on a mission to rescue their league campaign after losing considerable ground in the last month.
They trail Chicken Inn by seven points in the race and Sunday’s match could have serious repercussions on their campaign should they lose it.
With seven matches remaining in the race, Dynamos are in third place and should they lose to the Gamecocks, they will find themselves falling 10 points behind and virtually out of the race.
“This is a do-or-die match. We have to win at all costs because that’s the only opportunity we have in our powers to reduce the gap between us and the log leaders,” said Chihoro.
“We have to do it for ourselves. It’s not safe to bank on other teams to play for you.
“So we are focusing on nothing but a win in Bulawayo. That is where the league is, if you ask me. Dropping points there would only mean more pressure on us in the remaining matches. We don’t want that. We have to keep up with the pace.”
Dynamos have won the championship in the last four years but the Gamecocks and in-form FC Platinum, who are currently occupying second place, have given them a serious test with some consistent performances.
Although the Glamour Boys are known for their spirited performances at this stage of the league marathon, the prospects don’t look good this time around.
Chicken Inn have not been easy opponents this season.
Joey Antipas’ men outclassed DeMbare in their backyard in the first leg when they romped to a 3-0 win at Rufaro courtesy of goals from Mitchelle Katsvairo and Edmore Chirambadare’s double strike.
The Dynamos camp believe their recent Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final win over FC Platinum has given them the boost they desperately needed. But coach Tonderai Ndiraya said they need to put more effort in the game against Chicken Inn.
“We have got another tough fixture to look forward to. We are playing the league leaders and if we win that fixture it will enhance our chances of reducing the gap at the top.
“So we will keep our focus, we will work hard. Chicken Inn are a good side, a very strong unit and they play as a team.
“We would need to go the extra mile for us to get a result in Bulawayo. But we will keep believing and we will keep fighting to the end,” said Ndiraya.
Dynamos skipper Augustine Mbara, goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi and young defender Kudzanai Nyakasaka are still nursing injuries and are not likely to participate in this match.
The Gamecocks will be without right-back Passmore Bernard who been ruled out of the big game this Sunday because of suspension. Another interesting tie is expected when giants CAPS United and Highlanders square off at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Makepekepe are coming from a crucial 1-0 away win at Hwange.
The Green Machine have struggled at the Colliery over the years and the win should have given new coach Lloyd Chitembwe renewed sense of belief after a goalless home draw with Buffaloes in his first match on his return to his beloved club.
Their opponents Highlanders also have a new technical set up led by Cosmas Zulu and Amini Soma Phiri.
Suspended players:
Passmore Bernard (Chicken Inn), Peter Muzondo (Triangle), Vimbai Gibson Madamombe (Whawha), Livingstone Genti (Whawha), Gerald Takwara (FC Platinum). The Herald
