Buffaloes host DeMbare

The Glamour Boys are still haunted by the thrashing in Tunis and Pasuwa wants his men to pick up the pieces as they battle to restore their pride when they face Buffaloes in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Sakubva this afternoon.
It was DeMbare’s heaviest loss on the continent but Pasuwa will also draw some cold comfort from the reality that they are not the only big team that has suffered such humiliation this season.
After all, mighty Arsenal were hammered 2-8 at Old Trafford this season while the same Theatre of Dreams was turned into a killing field for the Red Devils who were thrashed 1-6 by rivals Manchester City.
Pasuwa yesterday said Dynamos, who have had a promising start in defence of their title after winning twice in their opening three games, would need to look ahead with a positive attitude.
DeMbare are not likely to make big changes to the squad that travelled to Tunisia.
“We might have lost in Tunisia to Esperance, who are the African champions, but we are the champions in Zimbabwe and we want to keep it that way,” said Pasuwa.
“The fact that we lost to a better team does not mean the end of everything. We should also bear in mind that Esperance are not a small team.
“They are a very organised and professional side and it was always going to be difficult for any team to play the African champions.
“We went there hoping to get a good result but it didn’t work out. Now the important thing is to pick ourselves up and work hard to restore faith in this team.
“We need positive results from here onwards.
“I know at this point friends are few but this is not the time to point fingers at one another. We need to get up and look forward.
“I have been telling the players that the way we react to that big loss in Tunisia matters. It is crucial that we have to be positive in how we do our business.”
Dynamos are also feeling the pinch of the injuries in their camp with David Kutyauripo, Takesure Chinyama and Ocean Mushure ruled out while Rodreck Mutuma is walking wounded.
Kutyauripo, who travelled to Tunisia battling injury, aggravated his knee injury during training on Tuesday.
The technical team have also decided to rest their main striker Chinyama and Mushure who suffered a back injury in Tunisia.
Mushure could be out for the weekend, as well, as he has not been able to train.
Mutuma, who finally broke the goal drought in the run-up to the Tunisia game, has been carrying an ankle injury for some time but the technical team have had to risk him because of limited depth upfront.
The lanky forward is also expected to partner Martin Vengesai in leading the attack this afternoon.
“Some of the players are carrying knocks but we have to do with the available resources. This is going to be a challenging task especially after that bad result in Tunisia.
“Usually we do not look down upon any team and it has always been the case that we have to fight hard to get results in every game that we play even against the so-called small teams.
“This is because every team wants to beat Dynamos especially now when we are the defending champions,” said Pasuwa.
Utility player Thomas Magorimbo, who missed the Esperance match, is back in the team and will replace Augustine Mbara at left back.
Magorimbo is one of the three changes made to the team, with Wonder Sithole and Guthrie Zhokinyi also coming in.
But Buffaloes coach Saul Chaminuka yesterday insisted the Harare giants will not find it easy at Sakubva.
Buffaloes have not won a match at home and are eager to turn around their fortunes.
Chaminuka said his players are self-motivated to claim the DeMbare scalp and sounded confident ahead of the match.
“It’s obvious that Dynamos will come fuming because of the defeat in Tunisia but we are prepared for them. We will take the game to them.
“It’s disappointing that we have not been able to win at home but everything has its beginning.
“I hope tomorrow (today) will be our day.
“The players are in high spirits because it means a lot winning against Dynamos than against any other team,” said Chaminuka.
Buffaloes, who returned to the top-flight league this season, have so far found the going tough after managing four points in as many outings.
DeMbare have played three games, winning two, with defeat to Monomotapa in-between.
Pasuwa said they are hoping to carry on from where they left in the domestic competitions when they thrashed Black Mambas 4-1 at Rufaro.
But the victory was not so sweet as the club’s supporters felt let down by the players who shunned the popular Zorai Butter celebrations.
“I understand the supporters’ frustrations but as coach I cannot go deep to explain in detail. It’s very sensitive and what I want the supporters to know is that we did not snub them at all.
“It’s a matter that is beyond me and if anyone was offended by the way we celebrated then I repeat we are sorry about it.”
It is not clear whether DeMbare have dumped the popular dance for good.
However, the root of the matter is believed to have stemmed from a clash of interests between BancABC and Savanna Tobacco.
Through the ‘Zorai Butter ne Pacific’ slogan, Savanna Tobacco offered to assist football supporters with free transport to football matches.
They also supplied printed T-shirts to the fans who went to the match against Black Mambas.
Fixtures
Today
Buffaloes v Dynamos (Sakubva)
Saturday
Monomotapa v CAPS United (Rufaro), F.C Platinum v Motor Action (Mandava), Black Mambas v Highlanders (Morris Depot), Quelaton v Gunners (Luveve)
Sunday
Dynamos v Hwange (Rufaro), Buffaloes v Shabanie Mine (Sakubva), Hardbody v Chicken Inn (Ascot), Blue Rangers v Harare City (Gwanzura).