adminThe Glamour Boys were handed their consignment, which include home and away training kits, tracksuits, stockings, golf shirts, training bags, medical kit, training and match balls courtesy of sports equipment suppliers e-Sport, who are distributing the Adidas apparel.
Bulawayo giants Highlanders, who are also beneficiaries of a similar deal with the international sportswear manufacturer, are set to get a share of their equipment today.
The teams were supposed to get the kits at the beginning of the season but the deliveries were delayed due to logistical challenges.
Dynamos travel to Kadoma tomorrow for a date against Black Rhinos with the spirits high as they seek to maintain ground in the championship race. DeMbare are currently second on the log standings with 31 points, three behind surprise leaders Harare City.
Club secretary-general, Webster Chikengezha, said the arrival of the apparel will give them the professional outlook that reflects their status as a football powerhouse in the region.
“This is going to bring a professional outlook to the whole team. It’s an exciting moment for us. I am hoping that going forward we will have a different Dynamos in terms of outlook.
“This is part of the professionalism that we are trying to bring to the club. I don’t expect to see any player training in a different kit like putting on a Liverpool because today everybody will receive two training kits, one home and one away complete with tracksuits, boots, everything. So, starting from Sunday when they go to Kadoma, the team should have an enhanced professional outlook,” said Chikengezha.
DeMbare and Highlanders are set to benefit seven percent from the sale of the replicas.
The clubs have already received their first consignment of the replicas that are being sold for US$50 each. Chikengezha however said they are expecting to get the consignment for 2014 earlier next year and also noted that sales of replicas started slowly but have been picking up gradually.
“The uptake by the fans has been a bit slow but it appears now everyone appreciates the quality and value of the material used on the jerseys. We are getting more people inquiring about those jerseys. Hopefully fans will continue supporting this venture by buying original things.”
The spirits were high in the DeMbare family yesterday and Chikengezha hopes the delivery of their consignment could inspire the Harare giants in the second half of the season. DeMbare are seeking to complete a double over Premiership returnees Black Rhinos when the teams clash at Rimuka tomorrow.
But coach Callisto Pasuwa is still singing the same tune concerning the injuries in his camp as strikers Washington Pakamisa, Clive Kawinga, Francisco Zekumbawira and Patrick Khumbula are still down with injuries.
They were joined on the sidelines this week by rightback Morris Kadzola and Thomas Magorimbo who are expected to take a fitness test. With Magorimbo doubtful, Stephen Alimenda suspended and Devon Chafa away with the national team at the Cosafa tournament, it appears Pasuwa will have additional issues to worry about more than just the strikeforce.
But to their relief, DeMbare might have to turn to newboy Sydney Linyama who was cleared last week by his former club Chicken Inn following a protracted dispute over the terms of payment for the player’s release.
“All the injured players are not looking promising except for Thomas. He trained well today but we are still monitoring him. The good part of it we have Linyama whom we have been waiting for some time to get his clearance. He is now available and can provide cover,” said Pasuwa.
Pasuwa yesterday challenged his players to improve their attitude when playing so-called small teams away following the unexpected defeats at Buffaloes and How Mine.
“Rhinos are a good side in terms of mobility. When we played them in the first leg at Rufaro they played very well and I think we have rectified our problems in terms of defending.
They are very mobile when attacking and our defence was not up to scratch and we were also having problems in terms of scoring goals because of injuries to most of our players. It’s one area which we have been working on.
“I think injuries have made it difficult for us to perform consistently. Probably it’s also our approach that has not been right.
“We would need to change the mindset because there are no longer small teams these days,” said Pasuwa.
Online Reporter