Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Bosso coach Pieter De Jongh says he has drawn crucial lessons from last week’s league encounter with Dynamos and is ready to take calculated risks when the two giants clash again in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final at Rufaro Stadium, on Sunday.
The teams could not be separated in their Premier Soccer League meeting at Barbourfields Stadium last Sunday, playing out a tense 1-1 draw. The first league encounter at Rufaro ended in a goalless stalemate, making Sunday’s showdown a must-win for pride and bragging rights.
“The last game was a league match and we had to be cautious, but this is a cup. We will take risks we could not take last Sunday. A cup game has to have a winner,” said De Jongh. He added that weather conditions could play a role, noting that the rainy season has started and hoping the pitch in Harare holds up for the big clash.
De Jongh confirmed he has a full squad available. “The morale is high. Everyone is fit. Reason Sibanda played a bit last week and is still recovering, but overall, everyone is available. We will do everything we can to reach the cup final,” he said.
The Dutch tactician believes the league stalemate offered valuable insight into Dynamos’ strengths and weaknesses. “We respect our opponents. We are bitter rivals, but both teams have a big status in Zimbabwean football. Last week gave me a clear picture of the opponents,” he said.
De Jongh added that while both clubs have experience in penalty shoot-outs, he hopes to settle matters inside 90 minutes. “We just hope to do our job in normal time, but I am not scared of penalties,” he said.
The semi-final path has already claimed high-profile casualties such as CAPS United, Chicken Inn, FC Platinum, Manica Diamonds, and Ngezi Platinum Stars, highlighting the tournament’s ruthless nature. Of the remaining teams, only Dynamos, Highlanders, and Triangle United have previously lifted the trophy.
Triangle will face Premiership debutants MWOS at Ngoni Stadium on Saturday. For both Dynamos and Highlanders, reaching the final is not only about silverware; it represents redemption in a season that has seen both clubs struggle.
Winning the Chibuku Super Cup and securing survival may be the only way to salvage an otherwise frustrating campaign.
