By Eddie Chikamhi
THE Chibuku Super Cup final between Harare City and Dynamos promises fireworks after both teams yesterday confirmed that they have received back at training all the players who have been struggling with injuries.
The Sunshine Boys, who were finalists in the last edition, are looking to improve on that performance by lifting the cup this year.
And there has been an air of excitement in their camp with the recovery of pacy winger Talent Chawapihwa and skipper David Kutyauripo who should be available for selection on Saturday.
Team manager Pardon Chivasa yesterday said they are happy with the situation in their camp. Chawapihwa has been sidelined for nearly a month with a groin problem while Kutyauripo had a foot injury.
“Talent is now back and should be available for selection on Saturday. Given the responses he has shown at training we can only hope for the best. We are also happy our captain David Kutyauripo is back after recovering from a foot injury.
“The other injury worry we had was Learnmore Muyambo but he has since returned and was even available for selection last week for the match against How Mine.
“Morale is high in the camp right now. It appears everyone is keen to play a part in this final. You can see how these guys are competing for places at training,” said Chivasa.
For the second successive year Harare City have had a brilliant run in the tournament.
Taurai Mangwiro’s men have been scoring for fun in the Chibuku Super Cup with 13 goals to their credit in three games this year.
Forward William Manondo has been the major driving force in their campaign after he contributed five goals to the team’s cause including a hat-trick in the 5-0 quarter-final demolition of Triangle.
The Sunshine Boys however, spent the better part of yesterday comforting their coach Mangwiro who lost his uncle and had to rush to Chipinge to pay his respects.
Mangwiro is expected to return in time for their mid-morning training session today as the team look to intensify their preparations for the tie.
This year there was no winner in the league duels between Harare City and Dynamos. Both matches ended in goalless draws at Rufaro but this time there has to be a champion.
DeMbare were also celebrating the return of some of their key players ahead of this match. Their skipper Augustine Mbara, Obey Mwerahari and goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi have shaken off injuries that kept them out for several weeks.
Striker Roderick Mutuma also makes a welcome return from national team duty after guiding the Warriors to next year’s Africa Nations Championship with three goals in a two-legged final qualifier against Lesotho.
Dynamos team manager Richard Chihoro was pleased with their preparations.
“We are happy we have all the players back now. Our captain Augustine, Obey and Artwell are all training with the rest of the team and I am sure they are now available for selection,” said Chihoro. But sharp contrasts will meet in this final as Dynamos have not been as prolific in front of goal as their opponents. The Harare giants have scored only twice in open play on their way to the final as compared to City’s 13 goals in three games.
Chihoro, however, said they will not look into those records as they are bracing themselves for a smash and grab in the cup competition after surrendering the championship fight.
Besides the US$75 000 winners’ cheque there is more at the stake. The winner of the 16-team tournament will earn the ticket to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup next year.
“The spirit among the boys is just great. Everyone wants to play because we know what is at the stake. We want to go and play in Africa and to do so we have to win this cup,” said Chihoro. The Herald
