Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS winger Leeroy Mavunga would have preferred to face his former paymasters Yadah at their own Heart Stadium in this elimination match of the Castle Lager Premiership relegation face-off.
But the Miracle Boys, expecting a bigger crowd given Dynamos’ pulling power have opted for Ngoni in Norton, as the battle for survival takes centre stage across the country stage this afternoon.
DeMbare and Yadah are among the nine teams in the relegation mix with the marathon now in its penultimate round.
Yadah have previously hosted their matches against Dynamos at Rufaro but the stakes are higher this time with the Glamour Boys adding another dimension to the survival dogfight.
Mavunga, who had one of his best games last week when Dynamos edged Bikita Minerals 1-0 at Rufaro, is not worried much about the change of venue as he is looking to replicate his form in the must-win encounter this afternoon.
Both teams are fighting for survival. But it could be worse for Yadah who could become the second team to be relegated this season should they lose to DeMbare.
“It’s not going to be an easy game for both teams because we all need the points. But we are going to push and try to take the three points.
“The pressure is always there because when playing for Dynamos every game is almost like a final but we know that if we beat Yadah they are relegated and we improve our chances of surviving.
“So, we need our supporters. Dynamos are always at home wherever they play in Zimbabwe.
“So, the 12th man will be key and we need the supporters to fill Ngoni,” said Mavunga.
It is a do-or-die outing for Dynamos and Mavunga is not worried by the thought of sending his former team to Division One.
On 37 points, DeMbare could boost their chances of survival by beating Yadah, who have 34 points. The Miracle Boys last week beat Herentals to keep alive their hopes in the race.
Yadah coach Brenna Msiska has refused to throw in the towel, promising a fight against Dynamos.
“Anything can happen in football and we are not throwing in the towel as yet. Yes, we have tough games ahead but the boys are confident. We’re conditioning them for the fight,” said Msiska.
DeMbare’s Kelvin Kaindu is also hopeful after leading the Harare giants on an unbeaten run stretching eight games.
“We are getting closer to the end of the season. From the last game that we played, I think we showed a lot of character . . . that sometimes we don’t need to play well, but for us to get maximum points,” said Kaindu.
Dynamos had such a poor start that despite winning five and drawing three games since Kaindu’s arrival, they have remained in relegation.
“I think we’ve come a long way. If you look at the time that we started and the point difference from the other teams, I think it was just too massive for us to catch up.
“But when we have managed to catch up, we need to compose ourselves and not lose it when it really matters.
“I think it’s got a lot of psychological and mental aspects for us to just remain calm and hopefully we still stay in the race and hopefully we survive the dedication,” said Kaindu.
DeMbare and fellow giants CAPS United and Highlanders are all in the relegation matrix at this stage of the campaign.
CAPS United, who sit on 39 points host impressive newboys MWOS at Rufaro while Highlanders have an interesting date with Manica Diamonds at Barbourfields.
Both teams are tied on 37 points. Chicken Inn, who also sit on 37 points, have a difficult away task against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab.
Bikita Minerals, who occupy the last position of safety with 36 points, host dethroned champions Simba Bhora at Sakubva.
GreenFuel, who find themselves in the relegation zone on 35 points, will face champions Scottland at Wadzanai hoping for maximum points to take their survival battle to the last round of the campaign.
Genesis Mangombe’s Triangle host relegated Kwekwe at Gibbo.
The Sugar Sugar Boys sit second from the bottom of the table with 34 points and they need nothing short of maximum points to keep their heads above the waters.
Fixtures:
Today: ZPC Kariba v TelOne (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v Herentals (Mandava), Yadah v Dynamos (Ngoni), Bikita Minerals v Simba Bhora (Sakubva), Highlanders v Manica Diamonds (Barbourfields), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Chicken Inn (Baobab), CAPS Utd v MWOS (Rufaro), Triangle v Kwekwe Utd (Gibbo), Scottland v GreenFuel (Wadzanai).
