admin
Ray Bande in MUTARE
WHEN Harare giants Dynamos and Mutare miners Manica Diamonds lock horns today at Sakubva Stadium in a potentially explosive Castle Lager Premiership encounter, all eyes will not only be on the field of play, but also in the terraces where innovative supporters of the game are providing an exhilarating side bar that usually captures the imagination of all in attendance.
Of late Mutare, just like many other match venues across the country, the Manica Diamonds supporters have not lagged behind in creating comic animation as well as an electric atmosphere that captivates their players on the field of play.
No wonder today’s DeMbare and Gem Boys clash will likely be fought both on the pitch and in the terraces as the home team fans have vowed make their presence felt.
In the past, Dynamos, because of their numbers, have easily annihilated their opponent’s fans and no matter the match venue.
In fact, DeMbare could easily be mistakenly taken for the home team.
But in an age where supporters, like football players, are being paid for their allegiance, many clubs across the country now have their own supporters armed with unique and eye catching pranks and frolics in the terraces.
Manica Diamonds secretary-general Sugar Chagonda said his team is ready for Dynamos, but was quick to emphasise the importance of having their fans in their numbers for this tricky encounter.
“We are ready for the match. It is all systems go. As you have seen we started the season well as opposed to previous seasons. We are taking every match as it comes.
“We appreciate the fact that there are no small teams in the league. The league is now very competitive with no room for chancers and we are taking it as such.
“Dynamos is a big brother we have much respect for them, but I am sure by now they know that we do not read too much into their age. Reports from camp indicate that the boys are ready and raring to go.
“I want to implore to our 12th player, the fans come in numbers and enjoy the match. Their invaluable support is imperative in giving the boys grim determination and tremendous inspiration,” said Chagonda.
Manica Diamonds Supporters Association chairperson Brian Chibwana, weighed in saying: “Yes, the Dynamos match will be a mouthwatering one and a real test to our preparedness as the season progresses. Dynamos is really a brand in Zimbabwean football but with the baby steps that Manica Diamonds is taking, we will put out our A performance so as to appease some half-hearted followers.
“A tough match it is, but we hope as fans we will be able to rise to the occasion and hopefully the football gods will smile at us, considering that Dynamos will be buoyed by their last week’s performance against Simba Bhora.
“Their fans, as usual, will come out in their numbers and they will come out guns blazing to continue that feat from last week, but we as Manica Diamonds have enough arsenal to repel their attacks and even come good after 90 minutes.
“We are still smarting from yesteryear’s events when they equalised in injury time in the Chibuku competition and that gives us reason enough for us as fans to keep rooting for our team to the final whistle. As supporters we will be given our all from the terraces, I hope our voices will give the boys the much-needed adrenalin.”
Online Reporter