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Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS coach Genesis Mangombe was left with limited options in defence ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Chicken Inn at Barbourfields following the unavailability of two key defenders.
This comes as skipper Frank Makarati has returned to the casualty ward with a recurring knee injury while vice captain Emmanuel Jalai has been suspended for this week after picking up three yellow cards.
Makarati, who appeared to have brought some form of stability to DeMbare’s wobbly backline, is down again with the same knock that had grounded him for one month before his return two weeks ago.
It appears the big defender had returned to competitive action prematurely as he has only been able to feature in only three league games before breaking down again.
Jalai has featured consistently in all of DeMbare’s matches this season and his unavailability is likely to be felt on the right flank.
The injuries to utility man Shadreck Nyahwa and Elvis Moyo have not made the situation any better for Mangombe, who will need to make some tough choices in Bulawayo tomorrow.
The Glamour Boys could also be ruing the decision not to register fullbacks Wilmore Chimbetu and Elvis Moyo for this part of the campaign.
Moyo was injured but is now back in training while the club had no extra slot to accommodate Chimbetu when the season started.
Mangombe may need to turn to utility men Nomore Chinyerere and Tendai Magwaza to fill the gaps today. DeMbare are also still missing midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa, who has also relapsed to an earlier knock after returning to the fold without healing fully.
“Shandirwa is still injured and then we have Frank Makarati injured again, and Jalai who has accumulated three yellow cards.
“It’s a major setback but we will try some other new guys and they will have to prove themselves,” said Mangombe.
The Glamour Boys need points against Joey Antipas’ Gamecocks to ease the pressure on their coach. DeMbare are coming from a hard-fought 2-2 home draw with champions Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro.
New boy Freddy Alick shone with a spectacular free-kick that earned them a point, in only his second appearance for the giants, and this has given Mangombe confidence in his fringe personnel ahead of the trip to Bulawayo.
“We are doing very well and I’m happy the boys are responding very well. We have some few injuries, and we also have some few boys that want to prove themselves since they are registered in the 30-man squad.
“So, it’s an opportunity for them to prove that they can also play for Dynamos. It’s a chance for the new boys and some of the players that haven’t been featuring in the first eleven.
“I think we have assembled a very good squad. Everyone can play but if there is someone playing well in a certain position it becomes very difficult to see the other players coming into the first eleven.
“But if there is a chance like this, they have to prove themselves. We have a lot of guys who can do it,” said Mangombe.
Fixtures:
Today: Bikita Minerals v TelOne (Sakubva), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Bulawayo Chiefs (Baobab), Chicken Inn v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Herentals v Yadah (Rufaro), FC Platinum v GreenFuel (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Manica Diamonds (Nyamhunga)
Tomorrow: Chegutu Pirates v Simba Bhora (Baobab), CAPS United v Hwange (Rufaro), Arenel Movers v Highlanders (Barbourfields).
Online Reporter