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Orlando Pirates with the team now desperately pinning their hopes on leaving today.
DeMbare said they could not leave without an official invitation from the South African Football Association which they would use to seek clearance from the Sports Commission.
South African HIV and Aids activists, Show Me Your Number, are organising the match in partnership the Southern African Women’s Institute for Migration Affairs to be played at the Rand Stadium this afternoon.
The Glamour Boys are expected to play the South African Premiership champions in the Ubuntu Calabash tie meant to campaign against xenophobic attacks that have rocked South Africa. Assistant coach Ralph Kawondera said the team was now scheduled to leave this morning.
“We could not leave as planned today because we had not received the official supporting letter from Safa. The letter came late but we should be leaving in the morning tomorrow (today).
“All the tickets have been made available and we hope everything goes well,” said Kawondera.
Dynamos players had gathered at Raylton Sports Club in the morning, ready to leave shortly before midday but they waited in vain until they were informed of the change in plans. The Harare giants were expected to hold road shows yesterday but are still hoping to have the backing of their supporters during the match today, if they travel.
Team manager Richard Chihoro said they team was travelling with 18 players and five members of the executive committee. Farai Munetsi, the club chairman whose status is under dispute, is expected to make up the travelling party.
Last week, some Dynamos directors circulated communication that Munetsi and his fellow executive members had been relieved from their duties.
“Our supporters in South Africa are aware of the game and they have promised to back us. As Dynamos we are hoping to win the game and expect to give Pirates a challenge,” said Chihoro.
Chihoro said they will not underrate Pirates and he challenged their players to give it their best shot.
“Orlando Pirates are a very good side and that is why there are the South African champions.
“I can compare their level of football to Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns in their league but we also need to shine,” said Chihoro.
It is believed Pirates will field a developmental side as their first team players are only expected to report for pre-season tomorrow.
Dynamos are travelling without Archie Gutu who is already in South Africa for trials.
“Hopefully some of our players will do well and could use the game to move to greener pastures,” said Chihoro.
Squad
W. Arubi, G. Zhokinyi, T. Magorimbo, M. Murape. D. Maringwa, G. Magariro, N. Alifandika, T. Mamvura, T. Mabvura, G. Bello, D. Chafa, P. Nhete, M. Vengesayi, R. Mutuma, M. Makopa, A. Mbara, T. Muparati, D. Mukamba
Online Reporter