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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
HARARE giants Dynamos are not losing sleep over the unavailability of their vice captain Stephen Alimenda for the Chibuku Super Cup final showdown against Harare City at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Alimenda is suspended and will miss the big showdown.
The Glamour Boys’ hardman is out for picking up two yellow cards in the campaign.
Alimenda had only just returned to the team after he had missed the league clash between the two sides two weeks ago, again because of suspension.
However, DeMbare’s assistant coach Gift Muzadzi yesterday told a press conference that the midfielder while will be missed but his absence will not leave them crippled.
Muzadzi hinted that it will be another opportunity for Walter Mukanga, who had seemingly fallen out of favour in recent months, to redeem himself.
“Obviously, as a technical team we were having a game plan created around certain personnel but since he is suspended there is nothing we can do,” said Muzadzi.
“But then, maybe, it’s a blessing in disguise because last time when we played Harare City he was serving suspension for three yellow cards.
“This time again we are facing Harare City and he was not there. However, the guy who played in his position, Walter (Mukanga), did very well in that game. So it’s a matter of continuity.
“I think we don’t have much problems there. In as much as we had wanted Stephen to be there with his experience, we also have other guys who are quite experienced.”
DeMbare also have Milton Makopa who has almost been forgotten because of lack of game time.
Muzadzi said Alimenda’s spate of suspensions was a cause for concern.
The midfielder has been found on the wrong side many times this year.
Besides the yellow cards, he was also fined $2 500 and banned for three matches following an altercation with a Tsholotsho medic.
Muzadzi highlighted that the technical team was concerned with issues of discipline in their camp.
“As a technical team we always talk to these boys but football, as you know, is an emotional game,” said Muzadzi.
“At times these guys take things into their own hands on the field of play, which is something we cannot control because we will be seated on the bench and the guys will be on the pitch.
“But I think they are trying their best. Even if you look at guys like Roddy (Mutuma), these days he is no longer that player who used to quarrel with referees. He is now focusing on his game. So I think there is much improvement on these guys.”
Mutuma’s availability for tomorrow’s game will only have to be confirmed by the medical team as he is carrying an ankle knock.
Mutuma, Blessing Moyo and Ocean Mushure did not take part in the team’s 1-1 league draw against Flame Lily last week as they were away with the Warriors in Lesotho.
Skipper Augustine Mbara, defender Obey Mwerahari and goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi are also back in the fold after recovering from injuries.
“The guys are back in training. They have been out for quite some time so they are now trying to regain fitness.
“Obviously we cannot throw them into this game because they just started training about two weeks ago,” said Muzadzi.
Dynamos are looking to atone for their lukewarm league run in the league competition by winning the Chibuku Super Cup this year.
They have forced their way to the final courtesy of wins over Whawha, FC Platinum and Chapungu.
But unlike their opponents Harare City, who have been in imperious form this year, scoring 13 goals in three games, the Glamour Boys have only managed two goals in open play.
Muzadzi says Harare City should expect a tough game.
“We played Harare City twice this year and those matches were tightly contested.
If you look at the game which we played about two weeks ago, they can agree with me that they were lucky to come out with a point from that game.
“But I don’t think this time they will have that kind of luck again. So as Dynamos we are not scared of them, neither are we thinking about their scoring record,” said Muzadzi.
Online Reporter