adminTadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS coach Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa has one thing in mind.
He wants to make his team’s adopted home-Barbourfields Stadium, a fortress.
The Glamour Boys begin an unfamiliar journey, hosting their opponents at the Bulawayo facility this afternoon, with a date against champions FC Platinum.
They have to debut with a banging establishing shot and win the hearts and minds of their critical fan base who have been consistent in questioning the choice of their team’s chosen alternative home.
For the fans, including those in Bulawayo, Barbourfields is enemy territory given that it is the home of DeMbare’s sworn rivals Highlanders.
The Harare giants, who normally play their home games on Sundays, were actually been forced to host FC Platinum on a Saturday, as Bosso entertain Triangle at the same venue tomorrow.
Nevertheless, Dynamos have to adjust to the new reality and they have to show their mettle by winning games.
And for Maruwa, it doesn’t matter their first game as the home team at Barbourfields is against the reigning champions, who like them, are enjoying a purple patch.
It doesn’t matter their opponents are more popular in Bulawayo and are likely to get a fair share of support from neutrals given they have previously hosted their opponents in the CAF Champions League at the same venue.
It doesn’t matter Maruwa’s charges have had to undergo some meticulous mental coaching from hired psychologists for them to adjust to the new order.
“Our game against FC Platinum is obviously a big one and naturally very tough. We are talking of a match in which as a team, we will be playing our first ever league home match at Barbourfields.
“FC Platinum are the defending champions and historically they hold a better head to head record against us. My players were last month expecting to play FC Platinum in Harare but due to circumstances beyond our control, the match has to be staged at Barbourfields.
“The idea is to make Barbourfields a fortress for us because this is the new reality,” said Maruwa.
“We have to go out there and play to win. Already, our record at Barbourfields this season is not that bad.
“We played twice there, first beating Hwange 1-0 then drawing 0-0 against Highlanders, so we have some good record there if you ask me.
“We have kept clean sheets at Barbourfields this season so we have every reason to be optimistic as we begin this new chapter playing our home games at Barbourfields”.
DeMbare are coming from a two-match winning streak after they beat ZPC Kariba 3-0 last month and Black Rhinos 2-1 last week.
They should not expect an easy stroll in the park on their first home match at Barbourfields against an FC Platinum side that is seeking a record fifth consecutive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona who was stretchered off in last weekend’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s 2-0 win over Chicken Inn has been cleared to play in this epic clash.
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza allayed injury worries on the forward who scored the second goal against Chicken Inn, saying Musona only had cramps. Musona was replaced by Jarrison Selemani in the 85th minute after wrapping up the encounter against Chicken Inn.
With the star forward fully fit and available for the DeMbare tie, another player expected to lead FC Platinum’s attack and their quest for a fifth consecutive win is Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya who scored the opener for the champions last weekend.
Despite ruling out Hagazio Magaya due to injury, Mapeza is optimistic of a good day.
Lawrence Mhlanga and Innocent Mucheneka are doubtful for the trip to Bulawayo. Still, Mapeza wants his charges to improve from their Chicken Inn showing. He believes playing in Bulawayo was shortened their travelling distance.
“Everything has been going well. We will travel less kilometres and we don’t have to worry much about our travelling.
“Dynamos will remain Dynamos. If you look at their performances during the last two matches, they’ve been doing very well. We definitely know the challenges we will face on Saturday.
“I’m happy with what I’ve seen from the boys at training. We had so many positives from our win against Chicken Inn and we’ve been talking to the boys to continue working hard and improve on the game against Chicken Inn,” said Mapeza.
Online Reporter