admin
Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter
HARARE giants Dynamos and CAPS United made decent starts while defending champions FC Platinum flexed their muscle with a late comeback victory that could have given the domestic football fraternity a big hint of what to expect in the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season at the weekend.
The attendance during the opening weekend was also a marked improvement from last season when teams played in virtually empty stadiums.
The reduction in the gate charges by the Premier Soccer League could be a massive pull factor this year as spectators will be paying US$2 for the cheapest ticket.
The fare was reviewed downwards at the PSL annual meeting last Friday following a huge outcry from the domestic football fans who felt the US$3 they paid in the previous seasons was steep.
The lively pre-season activity that saw the big teams getting heavily involved in the scramble, and the accompanying media hype, have triggered fresh interests among the local football fans.
And, Barbourfields, which hosted two games on Saturday and Sunday, had decent crowds for both matches. Dynamos fans came out in their numbers in Bulawayo for their opening fixture against Hwange on Saturday.
The coal miners were forced to play their home game in Bulawayo since their Colliery Stadium is not yet ready for Premiership football.
The crowd was even bigger when Highlanders played ZPC Kariba the following day at the same venue, although the home team’s supporters felt short-changed by their side following a goalless stalemate.
But the other giants, Dynamos and CAPS United, left their fans drooling.
Dynamos missed a glut of chances but still managed to collect maximum points on the road against Hwange, much to the delight of their fans.
The Glamour Boys, who had a massive overhaul during the pre-season, had as many as seven new faces in their starting line-up. Goalkeeper Taimon Mvula, Emmanuel Jalai, Frank Makarati and Ghanaian Emmanuel Paga were the only players from last season that were in the first eleven.
The new players such as Arthur Masiyiwa, Tendai Matindife, Tanaka Shandirwa and prodigal son Denver Mukamba caught the eye.
Mukamba, who got in as a second half substitute, turned the game on its head with a brilliant assist, to set up fellow substitute Tinashe Makanda, who rifled the ball home for the 1-0 win over the coalminers.
“It’s a good start. We were playing away from home but we managed to get a win.
“It’s a good result. But it’s still too early to talk about targets,” said Dynamos coach Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa.
DeMbare are sure to get another good crowd for their next match at home to new boys Sheasham. Crosstown rivals CAPS United also had a bright start after dismantling Manica Diamonds 2- 1 at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Midfielders Joseph Thulani and Blessing Sarupinda made the big difference with the goals. But the Green Machine coach Lloyd Chitembwe was impressed by the whole team.
“I think it’s always important to get off to a good start. I am extremely happy considering the way we prepared; I am sure it gives credibility to our pre-season preparations,” said Chitembwe.
“I think the boys were spot on in many aspects. The ball possession was good; we did manage to create the correct angles, supporting angles.
“Even the distances were very good. Technically, I thought we were a bit sound in the first half. We really needed it more and I am really delighted our midfield players were coming in, especially Blessing (Sarupinda) and Devon (Chafa) and William (Manondo) also coming in.
“Playing in-between these places I am sure they did quite well and everybody, the entire team felt comfortable in playing the game.”
Just like Dynamos, who are yearning to cap their 60th anniversary with a good season, Makepekepe are also aiming for the same as part of their Golden Jubilee.
Online Reporter