adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DEFENDING champions Dynamos are confident they will bounce back to winning ways tomorrow when they face minnows Flame Lily in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Gwanzura.
The Glamour Boys dropped points for the first time last week when they drew 1-1 with bitter rivals CAPS United.
Team manager Richard Chihoro yesterday said DeMbare have been working hard on their shortcomings following the subdued performances in their two Easter weekend outings.
“Last week we dropped points against CAPS United and we have been talking to the players about it.
“So we are looking at bouncing back to winning ways. I am sure we are going to collect maximum points, come 5pm Sunday. We need to rise but it is also important not to underrate our opponents.
“It doesn’t matter these guys are coming from a 3-0 defeat in their last game. What we are sure of is that they will be coming to compete.
“Mind you they are still looking for their first win and we don’t want to be the first team to lose to them,” said Chihoro.
The Glamour Boys suffered an injury setback to both their leftbacks Ocean Mushure and Qadr Amini who miss the clash tomorrow.
Coach David Mandigora will be forced to look at other players like Obey Mwerahari, who is yet to play his debut game for DeMbare, since joining the club from ZPC Kariba this season.
DeMbare also have utility player Godknows Murwira who is comfortable playing in the same position while Oscar Machapa fills the rightback.
The Glamour boys will be without the trio of Blessing Moyo, Carlos Rusere and second-choice goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva who are away with the national Under-23 side in Cameroon for an All-Africa Games qualifier.
There was good news in their camp this week following the return of Masimba Mambare and Patrick Khumbula to full training.
Their opponents Flame Lily will go to battle without their first choice goalkeeper Prosper Chigumba who was injured during the midweek loss at FC Platinum.
Veteran goalminder Earnmore Hamandishe is expected to keep goal.
Flame Lily coach Nesbert Saruchera was in buoyant mood yesterday as they prepare for their biggest game to date.
“We are ready for the game. We have one injury worry to our goalkeeper Prosper Chigumba who was injured in an off the ball incident at FC Platinum.
“Otherwise most of the guys are excited to play Dynamos for the first time. They know that such games are an opportunity to be counted.
“In fact it’s one game that you would need to get a positive result to be taken seriously.
“Remember we are still waiting for our breakthrough. We haven’t won a match yet but playing the defending champions is always a tricky thing. It comes with its pressure but we have to look at football as a pressure game,” said Saruchera.
A tricky battle is expected in the Lowveld where log leaders Triangle will host Harare giants CAPS United at Gibbo tomorrow.
Triangle are unbeaten in four games and have enjoyed a good run of form early in the season.
“We are walking into a big game again.
“They are top of the league, they are the inform team, they are unbeaten and they are at home,” said CAPS coach Mark Harrison.
“So the odds are staked against us.
“We got to go there and do a good job. Hopefully, if we can do it properly, we will get some kind of a result. It’s going to be a hell of a game, I am sure.
“But we are not at all intimidated. We will go there with a plan and, hopefully, the plan will work.”
Leftback Ronald Pfumbidzai will not be available as he has travelled to Cameroon with the national Under-23 team for the final leg of the All-Africa Games qualifiers. Utility man Dominic Mukandi is tipped to fill the void.
Triangle will also miss their livewire winger Malvin Gaki and midfielder Praise Tonha who are also with the same team.
Fixtures
Today
ZPC Kariba v Dongo Sawmill (Gwanzura), How Mine v Harare City (Luveve), FC Platinum v Chicken Inn (Mandava)
Tomorrow
Dynamos v Flame Lily (Gwanzura), Triangle v CAPS United (Gibbo), Highlanders v Chapungu (Barbourfields), Hwange v Buffaloes (Colliery), Whawha v Tsholotsho (Ascot).
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