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Eddie Chikamhi
Senior Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS will remain at Rufaro for their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against bogey side, Bulawayo Chiefs on Sunday.
The PSL had not confirmed the use of Rufaro for this weekend’s matches as the venue was subject to re-inspection.
However, the league confirmed the availability of Rufaro late yesterday ending the uncertainty that had gripped the Harare giants’ camp.
Another Harare side, Yadah will be able to use their Heart Stadium on Saturday against Simba Bhora after their venue got temporary approval.
The venue located in the Prospect suburb will then have another round of inspection by the First Instance Board.
Late confirmation of the weekend venue seemed to have unsettled Dynamos.
Speaking before the late confirmation of Rufaro, coach Genesis Mangombe yesterday hinted the lingering doubts were an undesirable distraction to their preparations for the upcoming home match against bogey side Bulawayo Chiefs.
Mangombe strongly felt the uncertainties were not ideal for his team’s preparations.
“Some of these things are beyond our control and it’s very difficult when you want to play at home and you are preparing for a home match, it’s not ideal to be told you are no longer playing at Rufaro but somewhere else.
“It’s not good, our fans love to see their team playing at home. So, it’s discouraging,” said Mangombe. Rufaro, which opened its doors after five years of lying dormant, hosted only four games during the Easter weekend before authorities indicated further maintenance work was needed to rectify the challenges encountered last week.
Spectators had trouble accessing the entrance into the stadium last Friday when Yadah hosted Dynamos. Some of the fans either turned away or entered the stadium during or just before the half-time break. Some of the toilets were also not in good condition.
Workmen were busy yesterday working on turnstiles, toilets, and other areas as Dynamos trained on the main pitch.
The Harare giants were optimistic of returning to their traditional home ground despite the lingering doubts. They have been advertising the match at Rufaro, with the cheapest ticket pegged at US$3 and they will now have it their way. Away from the anxiety of whether or not they would play at Rufaro, Mangombe revealed he was forward with confidence to the game against Chiefs following their first win of the season against Bikita Minerals at Sakubva last week. Dynamos had gotten off to a slow start following a defeat and two draws.
“We needed that win. These boys sometimes need something to boost their confidence. If they can win some of the matches now they have somewhere to start since we had gone for our first three games without winning.
“I’m happy that win boosted the morale and everyone is now ready to go but we still have Frank Makarati, Donald Mudadi, and Tanaka Shandirwa who are still nursing some injuries,” said Mangombe. DeMbare is currently sitting on the middle of the fence with five points from their opening four games, thanks to the win against Bikita Minerals. Before that game, their fans had begun expressing their disgruntlement through murmurs and conspiracy theories. But Mangombe yesterday called for more patience in the terraces. “We are playing at home and we know the fans are the 12th player. These guys on the field of play give it all trying to win. But as you know a game of football has three results.
Fixtures:
Saturday: Arenel Movers v Bikita Minerals (Luveve), FC Platinum v CAPS Utd (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Herentals (Nyamhunga), GreenFuel v Ngezi Platinum Stars (GreenFuel Arena), Yadah v Simba Bhora (Heart Stadium).
Sunday: Highlanders v Chegutu Pirates (Barbourfields), Manica Diamonds v Chicken Inn (Sakubva), Hwange v TelOne (Colliery), Dynamos v Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro)
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