DeMbare eye first Nyamhunga win

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS team manager Richard Chihoro yesterday said the Glamour Boys need to be clinical as they go out in search of the elusive win against ZPC Kariba at their Nyamhunga fortress this afternoon. The Glamour Boys have never won a league match against ZPC Kariba since the latter’s promotion into the top-flight league in 2014.

But with the title run-in winding down, DeMbare are in a desperate hunt for maximum points to maintain their spot at the top of the table. The giants faced a huge setback yesterday when their skipper Ocean Mushure failed a fitness test after suffering a knee injury during training this week.

“Ocean is a team player. He is one of those inspirational players and has contributed to many of our goals this season. That makes him a key player and it’s unfortunate he is not around. We have to make changes, there are also some players who can fit in his position. We still expect big performances. The boys are in high spirits. They know what they want to achieve and they are focused. What we need is to be clinical because it’s now dog eat dog in the league race. Every team is focusing on getting maximum points. These guys (ZPC Kariba) are desperate for a win but we have to play our game,” said Chihoro.

Dynamos are looking for a double over ZPC Kariba having won the first leg 3-1 at the National Sports Stadium a few months back. But they have not been able to get maximum points at Nyamhunga with ZPC Kariba winning 2-1 in 2014 and then getting a point in the 1-1 draw the following year. The teams were involved ina goalless affair at Nyamhunga last year. Chihoro said Dynamos were boosted by the return of Carlos Rusere, Emmanuel Mandiranga, Godfrey Mukambi, Obey Mwerahari and Denver Mukamba from injuries. Mushure, although he has not managed to travel, encouraged his teammates to prepare for a tough battle against the Kariba side that has many experienced hands.

“We have to fight hard because ZPC Kariba are one of those teams that can spoil things for you if you don’t take them seriously. The bottom line is we have to work hard on the field of play. All teams now wants to win games. Every game will be like a final so we have to pull up our socks. It’s not easy because the teams involved in the title race are also winning matches. We are only separated by three points and we have to win all our matches if possible. We have to maintain our position on the log table right now, I don’t think we should be dropping points carelessly,” said Mushure. ZPC Kariba are desperate for a win after going for four league games without tasting win.

Their coach Chidzambwa is under pressure after losing to Chapungu, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Bulawayo City and drawing against Tsholotsho in-between. But they will go into the match refreshed from the Chibuku Super Cup break where some of their players managed to fully recover from knocks. Players such as Daniel Chakupe, Blessing Nyamuzihwa and Laila Mugoniwa have recovered and would be available for selection.
“I am looking at a game of football for 90 minutes. Those who score more goals will come out victors, but it is not going to be an easy match for us,” said Chidzambwa.