DeMbare hunt for ‘keeper

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
HARARE giants Dynamos have started the search for George Chigova’s replacement as they welcomed six new faces on trial during their training at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
DeMbare need to beef up with two more goalkeepers during the mid-season transfer period to provide cover for Artwell Mukandi and youthful Tatenda Mukuruva following the departure of Chigova for his new South African club Supersport.

Among the trialists was their former player Philip Nhete but the team’s assistant coach who is responsible for goalkeepers, Tichaona Diya, said the Botswana-based player will not be joining them.

Nhete was released by DeMbare two seasons ago and is now playing for Botswana Meat Commission.
However, Diya said the search for the new goalkeeper will not overshadow the preparations for Sunday’s Battle of Zimbabwe against Highlanders, which Chigova will be sorely missed judging by the on-field drama in the previous meetings between the two giants of Zimbabwean football.

Chigova was the first choice during the past two seasons and has kept goal in most of DeMbare’s matches.
But the goalkeeper was left out of the squad that travelled to Hwange last week as the reality of his departure began to sink in and Mukandi was entrusted with the duties.

“I think it’s too early to talk about the goalkeeper at the moment but we are working on it,” said Diya.
“We have got a number of goalkeepers on trial and hopefully by next week we will have come up with a clearer position.

“We want two good goalkeepers and let me make it clear that Nhete is not going to be part of the candidates. He was just training with us to keep fit and will return to his team in Botswana.”

Dynamos are set to clash with Highlanders on Sunday hoping to stretch their dominance over the Bulawayo side to eight years undefeated.
The assignment will provide an immediate test for Mukandi who has been living in the shadows of Chigova ever since he came to the Harare giants last year.

The former Monomotapa man, however, has the confidence of the team’s coaches and they are expecting smooth transition.
Diya said DeMbare will need to put behind them the loss to Hwange in their last assignment and work on improving their game.

The Harare giants have not been an exciting team to watch in recent weeks although they have done well to keep picking up crucial points.
But while they have been experiencing mixed fortunes this season, their opponents Highlanders have been enjoying good form as they have managed to keep their unbeaten record intact after 11 games.

Dynamos are coming from a 1-0 defeat at the Colliery while Bosso kept their spirits high after claiming a point at Triangle.
However, Diya said they were looking forward to maintaining their clean record against Highlanders.

He said the club will not put special incentives on the table as the game is self-motivating. Dynamos also had the goodwill of their former son Edward Sadomba who trained with them yesterday.

“It’s not a secret that this is a big game and one that we should win at all costs. At this stage of the league, the trick is to collect maximum points at home.
“What happened in Hwange is now water under the bridge and we are now focusing on the next assignment. We have to come back to our winning ways and our approach is very positive.

“We are not worried they have not lost a match but one day they will meet their fate. Like I said our boys are determined, they have the hunger to beat Highlanders,” said Diya.

Dynamos received a huge boost this week with the return of most of their players from injury as Tawanda Muparati and Devon Chafa joined their teammates in training again this week.

It was not immediately clear if the duo will be available for selection as they are still being monitored by the medical personnel.
Versatile midfielder Walter Mukanga missed the training yesterday but the technical team was buoyed by the return of Tafadzwa Rusike and Anesu Gondo who played a part at Hwange. Dynamos have not lost to Highlanders since 2006 and they managed to maintain the run with a 2-0 win in the Bob90 Super Cup early this year. However, Masimba Mambare, who scored one of the goals, is certain to miss the big game on Sunday as he is still down with injury.