Dynamos seek redemption against Simba Bhora at Barbourfields Stadium

DYNAMOS interim head coach Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe has said that Barbourfields Stadium feels like “home” as his team prepares to face Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log leaders Simba Bhora this afternoon. DeMbare has been forced to shift from their traditional home ground, Rufaro Stadium, as it is booked for the preparations of the Defence Forces celebrations next Tuesday.

Chigowe, who replaced Genesis Mangombe this week following his resignation, views the game against Simba Bhora as a chance for redemption for DeMbare, who have struggled this season.

“It’s a tough game. However, this is a time for us to redeem ourselves and fight for the Dynamos badge. We have always had strong backing in Bulawayo and we hope it will be the same against Simba Bhora. Barbourfields Stadium is our second home and we have always felt the love from our Bulawayo fans when we play at BF. We hope for the same as we search for maximum points against the log leaders,” said Chigowe.

He took charge of the team on Tuesday morning after Mangombe’s resignation on Monday evening. Simba Bhora won the first leg between the two sides thanks to a goal by Walter Musona who is out of today’s encounter.

“We got one over DeMbare in the first leg and to complete a double is going to be difficult. We are playing at a neutral venue and that gives us confidence going into this game. Captain Walter Musona and Blessing Moyo are out of this clash. Musona is down with flu, but this is an opportunity for other players to step up because we can’t consistently rely on those two players,” said Simba Bhora coach Tonderayi Ndiraya.

In Simba Bhora’s last three visits to the City of Kings and Queens, they lost all their matches to their Bulawayo opponents. They lost to Highlanders and Bulawayo Chiefs with identical 1-0 score-lines before being handed a 3-2 defeat by Chicken Inn in a pulsating match at Luveve Stadium. However, Ndiraya is confident they will pick up points this time.

“Yes, we have struggled to win in Bulawayo, but it’s a bit different because Dynamos are not a Bulawayo team and they are also traveling for this game. We are hoping that this will be the game where we pick up points in Bulawayo,” said Ndiraya.

The Shamva-based outfit sits on top of the table with 43 points from 22 games. FC Platinum is in second place, just a point behind the leaders. Defending champions Ngezi Platinum are third with 37 points, while Highlanders are fourth with 36 points. Dynamos are in seventh position on the table with 30 points.

In other games set for this weekend, Highlanders will host Ngezi Platinum in what promises to be a potentially explosive encounter at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday. Bulawayo Chiefs will welcome Bikita Minerals at Luveve Stadium this afternoon, while Yadah Stars meet TelOne at Heart Stadium. The Colliery Stadium will be the venue for the game between Hwange and Chegutu Pirates tomorrow, in what will be a repeat of the Chibuku Super Cup preliminary played at Mandava Stadium during the week.

Today

Dynamos v Simba Bhora (Barbourfields Stadium) Bulawayo Chiefs v Bikita Minerals (Luveve Stadium) Yadah v TelOne (Heart Stadium) GreenFuel v Chicken Inn (GreenFuel Arena) ZPC Kariba v CAPS United (Nyamhunga Stadium) FC Platinum v Arenel Movers (Mandava Stadium)

Tomorrow

Hwange v Chegutu Pirates (Colliery Stadium) Highlanders v Ngezi Platinum (Barbourfields Stadium) Manica Diamonds v Herentals (Sakubva).

—@innocentskizoe