Dynamos replace DeMbare

being organised by South African Premiership side, Mamelodi Sundowns, arguing that the R100 000 (about US$12 000) offered by the organisers to cover their costs, was too little.
Instead, DeMbare argued that they wanted a minimum of R400 000 (about US$48 000) to cover the costs of playing in the one-day tournament at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Sundowns felt the Dynamos demands were outrageous and passed the invitation to Power Dynamos, who are the Zambian champions, and are preparing for the Caf African Champions League.
Interestingly, Power Dynamos – who have to travel a longer distance to Polokwane when compared to DeMbare – are footing all their expenses to play in the tournament.
The Zambian side believe the costs are a necessary expense, as part of their preparations for the Champions League, and the tournament on Sunday will provide their players with the run they need as they battle to get into top gear.
Sundowns, who wanted to pay DeMbare R100 000 to come and play in the tournament, will not pay Power Dynamos even a cent for the Zambians to play in Polokwane on Sunday.
DeMbare will on Sunday play Hwange in the semi-finals of the Bob 88 Super Cup at Barbourfields although the organisers of this tournament were ready to push this game forward had the Glamour Boys decided to play in Polokwane.
Dynamos are also preparing for the Caf Champions League and the Glamour Boys are desperate to make a big impression in the tournament after a disastrous campaign last year.
DeMbare crashed out of the tournament at the first hurdle, for only the first time in the modern era of the Champions League, despite having taken what appeared to be big 4-1 lead against US Alger of Algeria in the first leg they dominated at Rufaro.
A 0-3 whipping in Algiers, albeit under controversial circumstances in which the Egyptian referees clearly turned into playing mates of the Algerians with some diabolical decisions, ended their interest in the competition.
CAPS United, who accepted the Sundowns’ offer of R100 000 to play in the Polokwane tournament, are set to leave for South Africa tomorrow.
The tournament will also feature another Super Diski club, Black Leopards, who have signed Zimbabwean defender Zvenyika Makonese and also have striker Kingstone Nkhatha on their books.
CAPS United chief executive, Maxwell Mironga, yesterday said Makepekepe were excited by the opportunity presented by Sundowns as they hope to use the games to build their team ahead of the new season.
Mironga said coach, Lloyd Chitembwe, is expected to select at least 20 players from the main squad and might include a few players on trials as they hope to have a closer look at their team.
“It’s a huge plus for us to take part in this tournament because we are preparing for the new season, which promises to be very competitive,” said Mironga.
“As you know we are only four to five weeks before the league starts and we really need this kind of a preparation.
“Initially we were invited together with Dynamos but they are no longer going.
“The people at Mamelodi Sundowns have informed us that they have roped in Power Dynamos of Zambia as the fourth team and we are really looking forward to it.
“It’s a great honour for us and as you know we enjoy good relations with Mamelodi Sundowns. We need to remain connected and we hope the relations will remain strong,” said Mironga.
The Green Machine have been assured they will play two games during the tour against the South African sides.
They will get the ball rolling at 10am against hosts Sundowns and then face Black Leopards at 3pm, following Lidoda Duvha’s midday clash with Power Dynamos.
Sundowns and Power Dynamos will then wrap up the day’s events at 5pm.
Mironga said Chitembwe is set to name the travelling squad today, ahead of tomorrow’ departure.
“If all goes well the team will leave on Friday (tomorrow) and then get time to rest on Saturday.
“The technical team will come up with their squad of 20 players or so. We may also add one or two players on trial but it all depends on what the coaches decide,” said Mironga.
Sundowns are currently leading the race in the South African Premiership while Leopards are wallowing at the bottom of the table.
But Lidoda Dhuva will take the tournament seriously as they prepare for the Confederation Cup preliminary round against Motor Action.
Power Dynamos are the reigning Zambian champions after winning the 2011 MTN Premier Division and the Barclays Cup.
CAPS United have vowed to compete for league title honours this season after fading badly in the race for the championship last year.
They have beefed up their squad with players like Chris Samakweri, Daryl Nyandoro, Tawanda Nyamandwe and Conrad Whitby.
Makepekepe have also recruited a new coach, Sean Connor from Northern Ireland, but although he is still in Zimbabwe, he is yet to begin his duties as he is still to get a work permit.
“We are still trying to put the papers in place to apply for a work permit. We take things step-by-step and once everything is in place, then we will let you know,” said Mironga.