By Eddie Chikamhi
HIGHLANDERS coach Erol Akbay is not moved by past records and is determined to lead his side to an important win over bitter rivals Dynamos when the giants clash in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Rufaro tomorrow.
The Dutch coach is set for one of his biggest tests.
However, history is stacked heavily against his men who have failed to beat their football nemesis in a league match in the last 10 years.
Akbay said that he believes every game is a new game.
“I think everybody in our team is ready for this game. The message is to play and win. We want it badly and Dynamos want it as well.
“So I believe it’s going to be a nice game of football. Hopefully both teams will come to the party and do well for the fans to enjoy quality football.
“For me every game is important, but I am sure this one is a big game for our fans and the players. So as a coach I have to value that and try to make sure that we make everyone happy,” he said.
Highlanders are currently fifth on the log standings with 14 points after winning four and drawing two match.
They have lost once to log leaders FC Platinum, who lead the race with 20 points. Bosso have been lethal in front of goal with the most goals (13) after seven rounds of play.
Their strikers Knox Mutizwa and Prince Dube are enjoying good form.
Rookie forward Dube, who has banged three goals in six starts, is expected back in the set-up tomorrow after returning from national duty with the national Under-20 side.
However, experienced fullback Bruce Kangwa, who missed last week’s clash against Harare City, was still being monitored by the team’s doctors.
“To be frank, I am still new here and I don’t know anything about any of our opponents. To me all opponents are new and it’s my first time playing them.
“So what I do is I prepare well for every game. Every game is a new game. If you play good football results come. These guys I’m working with want to play football and they are doing their best.
“But I cannot say we are there yet. Maybe after three or so months, I think these guys will be playing good football,” said Akbay.
Their opponents Dynamos continued with their preparations yesterday when they trained at the match venue.
They were boosted by the return of their key forward Rodreck Mutuma who has recovered from an ankle injury.
Last year Dynamos beat Highlanders 3-2 at Rufaro in a close contest and the return leg in Bulawayo ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
But with the poor way DeMbare have started their season, Highlanders could be pumped with confidence.
Meanwhile, the Dynamos Harare Metropolitan Supporters Association yesterday hosted a dinner for the players to boost morale ahead of tomorrow’s clash.
The association’s treasurer Graham Mafoko said the supporters came up with the idea to assure the players that they are behind the team and to bury the sad memories of the riots that erupted at Rufaro following the their defeat to FC Platinum two weeks ago.
“We decided to host a motivational dinner for our players so that we send the message that we are one family encompassing the players, the technical team, the supporters and even the management.
“There should be that bond between the players and the supporters. What happened that day was deplorable. So we would want to correct the misconceptions that arose from that incident.
“Whether we win or we lose we should remain a united family. We still hope and believe that our boys will rise and fight for the championship and we are solidly behind them,” said Mafoko.
DeMbare have decided to return to Rufaro and have maintained gate charges at $3 for the cheapest ticket, $5 for the Upper Grand Stand and $10 for VIP. The Herald
Fixtures
Today: Harare City v Chapungu (Rufaro)
Saturday: Dynamos v Highlanders (Rufaro)
