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The Harare giants suffered a big blow during mid-week and coach Callisto Pasuwa finds himself in this sticky situation without his usual back four as Jaure and Bello were added to the list of casualties during Wednesday’s game against Harare City which ended in a goalless draw at Rufaro.
Today’s game comes just days before Dynamos and Highlanders seal their kit partnership deal with Adidas at a function set for Harare on Wednesday.
Team manager, Richard Chihoro, yesterday said the duo, whose efforts have contributed immensely to make the Glamour Boys backline the best in the league after 11 games, will not be part of the action this afternoon as they failed to recover.
DeMbare’s case has been made worse as left-back Mushure is away with the national team in Malawi together with defensive midfielder Devon Chafa.
This leaves Pasuwa with a skeleton staff for his defence with Morris Kadzola the only player in the department fully fit.
Augustine Mbara is still on the recovery path after pulling a muscle on national team duty in Zambia last month and, although he resumed training this week, his fitness could be of concern.
Their other defender Byron Madzokere has been on the sidelines since he joined the Glamour Boys and the technical department could be forced to make some brave decisions.
This might see utility player Thomas Magorimbo being called to help with the defensive work.
“We are in a tricky situation but we have to do with the material that we have,” said Chihoro.
“It’s unfortunate that we keep having these injuries affecting our team but I believe we have capable players to fit in and we can come up with a strong side.”
Chihoro also revealed that midfielder Cliff Sekete and strikers Patrick Khumbula and Francesco Zekumbawira are still down with injuries.
DeMbare had the better of Motor Action last season when they claimed four points in their two meetings.
Motor Action coach Joey Antipas, who felt his team was robbed in a 2-2 draw at Triangle, said he is hoping to get his cards right this afternoon following an indifferent start this year.
The Mighty Bulls are currently 12th on the log standings with 12 points from three wins and three draws in their last 11 outings.
“We had a very slow start this season. The team has been very inconsistent but now it seems we are beginning to find our rhythm.
“The boys are in good spirits and they are ready to give their best. In football you need to give 100 percent effort if you want to win. I think we are ready for the game,” said Antipas.
Log leaders Highlanders will date police side Black Mambas at Barbourfields tomorrow as they seek to consolidate their position at the top after opening a two-point cushion with a 5-2 win over Monomotapa on Thursday.
Mambas will definitely miss key players Last Chibwiro and Nicholas Alifandika who are with the Warriors and defender Ben Nyahunzvi who is suspended.
Highlanders will be without their star midfielder Masimba Mambare and goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya who on national duty and Njabulo Ncube who is suspended.
CAPS United have a home date against FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Fixtures
Today: How Mine v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields), Motor Action v Dynamos (Rufaro)
Tomorrow: Highlanders v Black Mambas (Barbourfields), Buffaloes v Shabanie (Sakubva), Hwange v Monomotapa (Colliery), Harare City v Tripple B (Rufaro), CAPS United v FC Platinum (National Sports Stadium,) Black Rhinos v Triangle (Gwanzura)
Online Reporter