adminDeMbare are eager for a quick recovery after suffering a setback in their campaign in a shock 2-3 loss to Buffaloes at Sakubva during midweek, which was their first defeat this season.
Dynamos dropped to fourth on the log standings with 25 points, four behind log leaders Highlanders, who play CAPS United this afternoon.
However, former national team defender Dick yesterday said How Mine were ready for the possible backlash from the hosts, who desperately need the points to keep pace with the top teams.
“It’s usually not easy playing giants of Dynamos’ stature.
“To add to that they are also the defending champions and they have everything to fight for from the look of things,” said Dick.
“Dynamos have just lost their first match of the season and obviously it will be a difficult game when we play on Sunday.
“But we should also not forget that we lost three matches in succession before the break and it’s now time we start collecting maximum points if we are to survive relegation,” Dick said.
How Mine are seventh on the log table with 21 points in the bag.
The Bulawayo side, whose form had taken a dip just before the Premiership break after losing three games in succession, are looking up with confidence despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Triangle at home in their last game.
Coach Philani Mabhena has been on record saying the priority this season is to survive relegation.
It would be foolish for any team to underrate them, though.
The club, which is bankrolled by Metallon Gold, has several seasoned campaigners in their ranks who include ex-Highlanders and FC Platinum players Menard Mupera and Brighton Dube, Simon Njeleza and Ocean Mpofu, who played for Hwange, besides their vastly experienced captain Dick.
Former Highlanders defender Gilbert Banda, Thembani Masuku, Nqobile Mpala, goalkeeper Pedzisai Gumiremhete and leftback Khumbulani Banda are also on the How Mine books.
To add to this list are some exciting prospects like Simbarashe Sithole, who was recently called to the national team, Warren Dube and Timothy January, who has contributed immensely this season.
The depth in the squad has given Dick hope and he believes they have the needed experience to match their opponents.
How Mine have won six matches and drawn three from their 14 starts.
“We respect the brand Dynamos but we don’t fear them as a team on the field of play,” said Dick.
“It happens in football that results can go either way but we have some mature guys, some of whom are even more experienced than the players at Dynamos.
“In fact, it’s always a big motivation to play against these big teams and I am sure between the two teams it’s Dynamos who should feel the pressure because they are at home.”
Dynamos coach Callisto Pasuwa challenged his players to put behind them the defeat at Buffaloes during the mid-week, which was their first this season.
DeMbare have been hamstrung by injuries with defenders Gift Bello, Partson Jaure and Morris Kadzola struggling for fitness.
Strikers Clive Kawinga and Washington Pakamisa picked knocks in their last match at Buffaloes and were being assessed by the doctors while goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi has been out with an injury.
Mukandi went for an MRI scan and has been advised by the doctors to take a rest.
Jaure and Pakamisa are also doubtful for tomorrow’s match as they join Byron Madzokere and Francesco Zekumbawira on the sidelines.
Dynamos’ other goalkeeper, George Chigova, was also being assessed after complaining of an ankle injury.
Despite their woes, Pasuwa is expecting an improvement from his side, which received a boost with the return of vice-captain Tawanda Muparati from suspension and midfield hard man Devon Chafa, who did not play on Wednesday.
Pasuwa warned his team against underrating any team in the Premiership and urged the players to remain focused.
“I told the players that we lost but what is important is the way we bounce back to winning ways after losing,” said Pasuwa.
“It’s that attitude which makes us to be champions.
“So we will soldier on and I know most of the times when the team loses there are many theories which only lead to divisions.
“So at this juncture we are calling on everyone to remain united.
“To our fans, let’s continue supporting our team.
“It’s still game on. We need to fight up to the end of the season despite the setbacks we sometimes face.
“I know that if we had won at Buffaloes it was going to be a plus for us because Highlanders had also lost but we don’t need to look at what Highlanders or any other team is doing,” said Pasuwa.
Bigboy Mawiwi’s impressive Harare City are set for a big test tomorrow when they engage Hwange at the Colliery.
Harare City will certainly have their confidence high following their remarkable comeback on Thursday when they beat Monomotapa 3-1 after recovering from a goal down.
The Sunshine Boys are currently second on the table with 28 points and they know they may begin the week on top of the table if the log leaders slip up against CAPS United this afternoon while they get maximum points at the Colliery.
Highlanders lead the race with 29 points.
Fixtures
Tomorrow
Shabanie Mine v Chicken Inn (Maglas), Triangle United v Black Mambas (Gibbo), Dynamos v How Mine SS9 (Rufaro), Hwange v Harare City (Colliery)
Monday
Monomotapa v Motor Action (Gwanzura).
Online Reporter