Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League giants Dynamos charge into Rufaro this afternoon with a mission, to appease their fans by collecting maximum points when they face Hunters.
Coach Genesis Mangombe acknowledges that despite this being a much-improved season for the Glamour Boys, who currently sit in sixth position on the log table, their lack of consistency has been their biggest undoing.
DeMbare have 25 points to their name after recording six wins, seven draws and just two defeats.
In the nine games they have played at Rufaro, Dynamos have lost once — a 2-1 defeat at the hands of CAPS United in the famous Harare derby — drawn five times and recorded three wins.
While the statistics are not bad, Dynamos have a worrying trend of failing to defend their lead in most cases, conceding in the dying stages of their games and mostly from set pieces.
In fact, they are fresh from a heartbreaking 2-2 draw away to Manica Diamonds at the weekend in which they conceded in the last of the referee’s added six minutes.
Mangombe notes that the late goals that they have been conceding have been disappointing to the fans; hence, their 90-minutes battle against Hunters today is largely dedicated to them (the fans).
“We have been dropping two crucial points in key moments and that is something we are working on, it could be an issue to improve our game management and avoid lapse of concentration,” he said.
“Fans always have expectations, and obviously such trends do not sit well with them, so it is an issue that we are seriously looking into.”
Dynamos will be without their captain Shadreck Nyahwa and his deputy Tellmore Pio with the duo out on suspension after accumulating three yellow cards.
In-form Ghanaian defender Christopher Nettey and Jairos Kasondo are nursing injuries while veteran midfielder Perfect Chikwende is battling a knock.
Mangombe yesterday rallied Dynamos supporters to be in full voice behind their team, with the home crowd expected to be their huge motivational factor in this encounter.
“We want them to come in numbers to support us, especially in such a tie where we play midweek after playing at the weekend,” he said.
“We have not gotten enough time to rest, so an extra push is needed, and the presence of supporters will play a huge role in motivating us.
“With a number of our key players out due to suspension and injuries, we need to prepare well as we hand a chance to the other guys who have not been getting enough game time.
“It is their time to prove themselves and showcase what they can do, generally we have a good pool to select from, and it is now up to them to step up and make an impression.”
Dynamos are alive to the fact that they face Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera’s youthful outfit, a tricky opponent who appear to be on a resurgence.
Hunters are just a spot above relegation zone with 14 points in 16 games.
They are fresh from a massive 3-1 home victory over Bulawayo Chiefs, marking their second win since their arrival in top-flight.
Saruchera has watched often in frustration as his charges failed to close games they would be leading and eventually drawing.
Hunters have recorded eight draws and six defeats while they have let in 21 goals with only AGAMA and TelOne having conceded more goals than them (22 goals).
Despite the Hunters defence seemingly leaky, Mangombe will not be throwing caution to the game, noting that their opponents are not a sloppy side.
“At this stage, every game is important because every opponent steps up their game whenever they play against Dynamos so we have to treat today’s game very seriously,” he said.
“We are leaving no stone unturned because a relegation haunted side will always bring their best foot forward so we should play with intent from the onset, it is important for us and for the fans.”
