Andrew
Langton Nyakwenda
GOING by the pre-match nuggets from both camps, the Premier Soccer League clash between Dynamos and new boys Cranborne Bullets promises to be an interesting one.
It could be a highly tactical encounter, one that could possibly be spiced up by the army side’s hunger to upset the giants.
DeMbare host Bullets at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon in one of the three league matches lined up for today.
Bulawayo giants Highlanders are at Sakubva, where they have a date with on fire Manica Diamonds, while defending champions FC Platinum have a potential banana skin tie against Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve.
Back in Harare, all eyes will surely be on the clash between DeMbare and an impressive Bullets side.
Cranborne Bullets have had a good start to life in the Premiership, under the astute guidance of veteran gaffer, Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera.
They reached the Chibuku Super Cup semis, and they have displayed, in their opening two league games against Chicken Inn and Bulawayo Chiefs, that they are a well-knit side that thrives on possession of the ball.
Dynamos have been watching them, and the Glamour Boys have also been planning against the soldiers.
Both sides had Covid-19 issues during the week, with both camps recording some positive results, but that has not deterred the teams from focusing on today’s clash.
DeMbare trained under assistant coaches Naison Muchekela and Gift Muzadzi, for most of the week, as head coach Tonderai Ndiraya was attending the club’s strategic seminar that was hosted by Sakunda Holdings in Victoria Falls.
The Dynamos technical team has been studying how Cranborne Bullets play, and they are worried about how Saruchera’s boys command the ball.
“They (Cranborne Bullets) are a highly motivated side with a seasoned gaffer,” said Muchekela.
“They have shown great quality in most of their games we have watched them play thus far.
“Cranborne Bullets are a highly mobile team with players who are technically gifted, tactically looking to keep possession in certain areas of the field.
“Given that assessment, it would be highly imperative to ensure we do not allow them to turn possession into penetration,” the assistant coach told The Sunday Mail Sport.
The start-stop nature of the league – which has been caused by rising cases of Covid-19 in recent weeks – has affected most teams and Dynamos have not been spared.
“Quite naturally, as expected due to the constant disruptions, we have not been able to maintain consistent physiological fitness levels since the onset of the unprecedented new normal.
“This has affected the teams’ ability to perform at optimum consistent levels, due to constant, but necessary breaks, in light of increased infections.
“Furthermore, in light of the mandatory protocols following infections, we have had to plan and conduct training sessions without some of the consistent performers who have contracted Covid-19.
“Quite a few players have tested positive, and they have been in isolation in line with PSL medical guidelines,” revealed Muchekela.
DeMbare go into the match on the back of a disappointing 0-1 defeat in Triangle, and Muchekela admits the pressure is on them to turn the tables.
“A positive response is paramount given our setback in Triangle.
“There is always pressure to get a result at Dynamos, and playing against Cranborne is no different.”
From the opposite camp, Saruchera has declared his charges ready to face DeMbare.
“We are ready to play them,” said the Cranborne Bullets gaffer.
“Yes, we might be a small team, playing in its debut Premiership season, but our boys are very motivated to play against the biggest team in the land.
“Some of our boys will be playing against Dynamos for the first time, and this is also serving as a great motivating factor,” said Saruchera. Cranborne Bullets were also hit by Covid-19 during the week.
“We had one or two cases, but most of the guys are safe. “Preparations were very good,” said Saruchera.
The gaffer is, however, happy with the way his side has adjusted to life in the top flight.
“We played Chicken Inn and we lost 1-0, we then drew against Chiefs (Bulawayo) and as a coach I would say I am worried about the number of points we have collected in these two matches.
“But the performances have been good, the boys are linking up well.
“Against Chicken Inn, I thought we could have come out with a point.
“Generally, I am happy with the progress we have made.”
Elsewhere, FC Platinum’s 100 percent start to the 2021/2022 season is under threat from Bulawayo Chiefs.
The two teams are meeting for the fourth time in the league since 2018, when Amakhosi made their Premiership debut.
They have two wins apiece.
Their last league encounter ended in a 1-0 win for Bulawayo Chiefs at Mandava on November 2, 2011.
FC Platinum have won two of their opening matches against Tenax and Chicken Inn, while Chiefs have four points from a win against Triangle and a draw against Cranborne Bullets.
Bulawayo Chiefs gaffer, Nilton Terroso, feels the haphazard nature of the league programme, owing to the rising cases of Covid-19 cases, could have a detrimental effect on his charges.
“In terms of match preparation, it (pandemic) is detrimental because there is no way that we can ensure progressive improvement through training, simply because we are not able to train,” said Terroso.
“We have not been able to train for various days, which has a very significant impact on players both mentally and physically.
“This will of course affect our performance,” the gaffer told The Sunday Mail Sport during the week.
He added: “The start-stop scenario, to our competitive fixtures, is difficult for any team, and ours is no different.
“I believe all athletes thrive upon the competitive environment and wanting to win, and our players are no different.”
On the flip side, the gaffer thinks health and safety of players is also important.
“However, in my opinion, the health and safety of all players and staff must always come first, regardless of any other situation.”
At Sakubva, Highlanders face a Manica Diamonds side that has won their opening two games of the season.
Johannes Nhumwa’s side beat Whawha (4-0) before edging Bulawayo City 2-1, and are the only other side, apart from FC Platinum, to command a 100 percent start to the league.
Fixtures
Manica Diamonds v Highlanders (Sakubva); Dynamos v Cranborne Bullets (NSS); Bulawayo Chiefs v FC Platinum (Luveve)
Online Reporter