Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS head into tomorrow’s showdown against unbeaten Ngezi Platinum Stars without two of their most important players, a blow that piles more pressure on a side already struggling to keep pace in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race.
Leading scorer Jairos Kasondo and veteran midfielder Perfect Chikwende were both missing again as DeMbare wrapped up preparations for the Rufaro clash this week, forcing coach Genesis Mangombe into another reshuffle ahead of one of the toughest assignments on the calendar.
Kasondo, who also missed the abandoned Chahwanda Stadium match against Hardrock, is still recovering from a muscle injury. The forward has carried much of Dynamos’ attacking threat this season with six league goals.
Chikwende joined him on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury during the chaos that brought the Hardrock match to a halt in Kwekwe.
Mangombe admitted the pair will be difficult to replace.
“We are going to miss them in this game,” he said.
“They both have muscle injuries. Perfect has a hamstring problem, and we are still monitoring his condition, but he will not be available for selection this week.
“Kasondo is also recovering well, and we hope he can resume training with the team next week.
“The good thing, however, is that we have a wider selection and there are other players who can come in and do the job.”
Dynamos are trying to move on from the ugly scenes at Chahwanda, with the abandoned match still waiting a ruling from the Premier Soccer League disciplinary committee.
But the bigger concern for Mangombe is the slide in form.
DeMbare have managed just one win in their last seven league matches, a run that has left them chasing the pack after another season that had started with genuine promise.
Mangombe believes the signs in training have at least been encouraging.
“We are doing well in preparation,” he said.
“After the intensity of that last match, we have a good starting point to build on. We are finalising our squad, and those selected will go into camp ahead of the game.
“I am also encouraged by the return of some injured players, especially Collin Mujuru, who is now back in training, although we still have a few absentees.”
Dynamos sit on 21 points from 13 matches and already trail leaders CAPS United by seven points.
Tomorrow’s challenge does not make life easier.
Ngezi Platinum Stars remain unbeaten after 14 matches and continue to defy expectations despite losing key players before the season and operating under a FIFA transfer ban linked to a dispute involving former coach Bongani Mafu. The platinum miners arrive at Rufaro full of confidence after a 4-2 win over Bulawayo Chiefs at Baobab Stadium.
Mangombe knows exactly what his side is walking into.
“We have to take this game very seriously,” he said.
“We need to look at our performances and make sure we correct the mistakes that have cost us points in recent matches.
“I think we are improving in terms of creating and scoring chances, and if we can convert those opportunities, it will make a difference.
“At the same time, our defence is becoming more organised, and we are working hard to ensure that we remain solid at the back.”
For Dynamos, this now feels bigger than just another league fixture.
Another slip and the gap could grow wider. Another poor result and the pressure around Mangombe’s side only gets louder.
Fixtures:
Tomorrow: Dynamos v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro), MWOS v Hardrock (Ngoni)
Sunday: Highlanders v FC Hunters (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v Chicken Inn (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v Herentals (Mandava), TelOne v AGAMA (Ascot), Simba Bhora v Triangle (Wadzanayi), Scottland v CAPS United (NSS)
Monday: Bulawayo Chiefs v Manica Diamonds (Barbourfields)
