DeMbare to launch Sup8r title defence

matches could indicate a turning point.
But their newly-found form will come under test when they face Hwange in the quarterfinals of the BancABC Sup&r Cup at Gibbo in Triangle this afternoon.
The Harare giants, buoyed by a run of three consecutive victories, which include a 1-0 win over South Africa side Orlando Pirates last week, will plunge into battle in defence of their title as the favourites.
This will also be the first game under a new executive led by Harare businessman Kenny Mubaiwa following changes that were effected this week to put to rest the chaos that reigned in their boardroom last week.
DeMbare won the BancABC Sup8r title for the first time last season when they edged bitter rivals CAPS United 3-2 in the final last year.
But they are not likely to get an easy run as Hwange, who had an indifferent start early in the season, have picked up their game of late and have underlined their character by winning five times in their last seven league outings.
The purple patch included difficult away victories over giants Highlanders at Barbourfields and another over CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium while holding defending champions Motor Action to a goalless draw at Motor Action Sports Club.
Hwange coach Tenant Chilumba was in high spirits this week ahead of the tie, as the coal-miners seek to decorate their cabinet with rare silverware.
Hwange left their base on Thursday and had a stop-over in Masvingo yesterday.
“We have no injury worries to talk about and we are quite prepared for the game.
“Everyone is in good mood and we are not even worried by the distance because we knew about it from the beginning,” said Chilumba.
Dynamos assistant coach Ralph Kawodera yesterday said the Glamour Boys, who will miss some of their players like Timire Mamvura, Patrick Khumbula, Guthrie Zhokinyi, David Kutyauripo and Archford Gutu, will be all out for a positive result to keep their momentum running.
Gutu, who has been having trials in South Africa for the last two weeks, returned home yesterday and joined Khumbula and Mamvura in the Under-23 camp, while Kutyauripo is still nursing injury.
The defender was given a standing ovation by Dynamos fans when he chose to sit in the Vietnam Stand on Wednesday.
Central defender Zhokinyi was left out of the final 18 again yesterday as the club awaits the new executive to negotiate his contract which expired at the end of June.
But DeMbare are set to welcome striker Martin Vengesai, who missed the 1-0 win over Chicken Inn during the midweek because of suspension, after he was sent off in the Harare derby against CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium three weeks ago.
“We have a fairly balanced squad and besides Kutyauripo we have no injury worries.
“Everyone is up and running and they know what is at stake.
“Dynamos are the team to beat by virtue of being the defending champions and it’s a known fact that every team wants to win against us.
“We know what kind of opponents we are facing. So we have to be prepared, knowing as we do that Hwange are not easy opponents.
“We have played them once in the league this year and they picked a point at Rufaro,” said Kawondera.
Veteran midfielder Murape Murape has been in terrific form of late, being the driving force behind their rise into third place, on the table and also scoring the winning goals against Pirates and Chicken Inn inside the last seven days.
Their midfield, which also features a resurgent Denver Mukamba, a rejuvenated Milton Makopa and Tawanda Muparati has been showing good form but in their defence has been shaky of late.
Dynamos travelled with 19 players yesterday in a squad that also included Farai Vimisayi, Vimbai Madamombe and teenage winger Tichaona Mabvura.
“Murape has been doing well and it’s good he has been scoring goals.
“At times you need people like him even if he is not at his best because his influence to the team is great.
“I have been to Chiredzi before and I know the people in the town love football.
“It makes no difference playing that far because Dynamos have supporters everywhere.
“I know they have been following our progress and we wouldn’t want to disappoint them.
“This is the first time our supporters in Chiredzi will watch us in action at their home,” said Kawondera.
Meanwhile BancABc marketing executive Desmund Ali yesterday said more than 2 000 pre-match tickets which had been put on sale in Chiredzi for the Dynamos/Hwange game have been sold out.
“The euphoria surrounding the game is just exciting in the town. We understand the tickets were all sold out in advance and we are making requests to the PSL to see if we can bring more tickets.
“And before the game we will have players from both teams mingling with the residents at our branch,” said Ali.
Highlanders and Shabanie Mine are already through to the semi finals after winning their games in the first set of quarterfinals played two weeks ago.
Shabanie Mine beat Gunners 1-0 at Ascot and Highlanders were also 1-0 victors over last year’s finalist CAPS United courtesy of a strike from Gilbert Banda.
Motor Action and Monomotapa will meet in the other quarterfinal match at Sakubva tomorrow.
Fixtures
Today
Dynamos v Hwange (Gibbo)
Tomorrow
Motor Action v Monomotapa (Sakubva).