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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DEVON Chafa is set to take a fitness test this afternoon as defending champions Dynamos seek to resolve a possible crisis in their midfield ahead of their Premiership match against Triangle at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. DeMbare’s holding midfielders have been stalked by injuries and the situation was compounded this week by the suspension of strongman Stephen Alimenda who is sitting on three yellow cards.
Chafa was injured in their goalless draw at Shabanie Mine last month.
With Sydney Linyama also inactive for at least four weeks, it appears the defending champions are now pinning hopes on the availability of Chafa or else they could be forced to turn to Milton Makopa and youngster Fireyi Okocha who have seen little action this year.
Assistant coach Tichaona Diya yesterday said the Glamour Boys were not panicking since they have in their fold experienced players like Walter Mukanga and Thomas Magorimbo who are also at home in defensive midfield roles.
DeMbare have been struggling to shake of the injury plague in their camp with Tafadzwa Rusike the latest casualty.
Rusike will miss the weekend tie as he joins Linyama, Masimba Mambare and Tawanda Muparati in the sidelines.
There were hopes that their striker Anesu Gondo could make his return in the match against Triangle after spending four weeks nursing a muscle injury but the forward has been ruled out with chickenpox.
“We didn’t stop preparing during the international break but the only problem we may have are the injuries to some players who have been featuring regularly, the likes of Tafadzwa, Devon and Anesu Gondo.
“Probably, the only player we had high hopes to return was Gondo. He had been certified fit by the doctors but he is not going to make the team because has been affected by chickenpox.
“Devon is also in line for a comeback but that will depend on the outcome of a fitness test tomorrow (today). He is set for a fitness test and then afterwards we will determine if he can play.
“Otherwise we have many other players we have registered who are waiting for such an opportunity to play and prove themselves,” said Diya.
Triangle suffered a 0-4 mauling at FC Platinum in their last assignment while Dynamos continued with their recovery after winning two successive games.
DeMbare had endured a poor spell last month and Diya said victories over FC Platinum and Chiredzi had renewed confidence as they battle to keep log leaders Highlanders under check.
“The way our performance has been portrayed makes it now appear like we have had a horrible start but to us we don’t view it in that light.
“It’s only nine games that we have played and if we are to compare it with how we fared last year, I think this is a better start.
“So we are looking forward to collect maximum points at home when we play Triangle. That’s our prime target.
“Of course our results were not pleasing lately but the last two games were a huge morale booster. We have to carry on from where we left off.
“Our strikers haven’t been scoring as well and it’s our responsibility as the technical team to build confidence in them. We have to keep encouraging the strikers to get into the box because that’s how they can only get those chances,” said Diya.
Online Reporter