malvernmugadzikwa
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS have added defenders Elvis Moyo and Francis Jerimani and midfielder Vusa Ngwenya to their squad for the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round showdown against Botswana side Orapa United.
The Glamour Boys have hurdled over the first obstacle on their return to continental club football after eliminating ZESCO United of Zambia in the first preliminary round last month. And now, they hope to throw in more options as they strive to reach the mega-rich group phase of the second-tier CAF club competition by adding the three new names to their roster.
DeMbare left out some of their youngsters from their first preliminary round list.
Furthermore, some of their players have been sidelined by injuries.
One of their key men, Sadney Urikhob, suffered a knock in the build-up to the second-leg fixture against ZESCO United in Ndola, Zambia.
Midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa, who scored the only goal between the two legs when Dynamos won 1-0 in Gaborone, Botswana, sprained a muscle and has joined those on the treatment table.
Moyo missed the first half of the season through injury and when he appeared to be bouncing back, he suffered another knock, resulting in the technical team recommending that he be excluded from the CAF Confederation Cup squad.
The duo of Ngwenya and Jerimani are still young, but coach Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigowe, a master of developing young talent, has faith in them.
“The African terrain is not very smooth as there is a lot of competition out there. You meet the best teams from different countries and, obviously, that makes it very tough,” he said.
“I am very happy that we have managed to pull through the first hurdle, that is, the first preliminary round against ZESCO United. It was tough, but I am happy we managed to grind a result that took us to the next stage, which we are preparing for.
“We have a very good team, but at this level of competition, we definitely need every player to have their part. We have recommended that we add Elvis Moyo, Vusa Ngwenya and Francis Jerimani on our list.
“They will give us more options and balance in the rigours of African club football. We are looking forward to our tie against Orapa United.”
Dynamos first visit the Obedi Itani Chitani Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, on September 13 before they host the Batswana team at a venue yet to be confirmed seven days later. Without an approved stadium in the country to host international games, Dynamos are seeking to host Orapa United in either Malawi or Mozambique.
“The plan is not to give our opponents a double advantage by playing our home team in Botswana,” Chigowe added.
“Football is changing and we can’t underestimate Orapa United. They are a very good team and we need to plan accordingly.”
With the match against Orapa United weeks away, both Dynamos and Chigowe have bigger fish to fry at home.
The Glamour Boys have not won a league game in the last 42 days.
They have drawn four times since their away win against Hwange at the Colliery on July 21. DeMbare are also yet to play at Rufaro Stadium since the appointment of interim coach Chigowe.
The veteran gaffer began his stint with a 1-1 draw against Simba Bhora at Barbourfields Stadium three weeks ago, before he shifted focus to the CAF Confederation Cup assignment. And after seeing Dynamos past the first hurdle on the continental stage, MaBlanyo is sure to receive a resounding welcome when Dynamos host Chegutu Pirates at Rufaro this afternoon.
It will be exactly the opposite reception he got from the ever-demanding Dynamos fans the last time he was in charge.
The last time he sat in the dugout at Rufaro was on April 22, 2019, when DeMbare lost 0-1 against Herentals and angry fans demanded that he be sacked.
He was subsequently fired and replaced by Tonderai Ndiraya.
Chigowe is now back in control following the departure of Genesis Mangombe early last month. And the lanky gaffer is now a crowd favourite following his exploits against ZESCO. But DeMbare fans are not easy to please. They can quickly forget about Chigowe’s exploits in Africa should DeMbare put up a lifeless show against Chegutu Pirates.
The Glamour Boys are in desperate need of redemption in the league, having gone four matches without a win.
They are on 31 points, and were a massive 16 points behind log leaders Simba Bhora after the completion of Match Day 24, although they have a game in hand against TelOne.
They should fancy their chances against a Chegutu Pirates side that is sitting second from bottom and have lost their last three matches. DeMbare were left counting the cost of their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup as some of their key players, including Urikhob and Kevin Moyo, picked up injuries against ZESCO. Urikhob has been under close watch by the medical team.
“It (injury) looked like it was serious, but at least he can now walk on his own without the aid of crutches. He is recovering and at the same time, it’s unfortunate Kelvin also picked up a tendon injury in Zambia,” said Chigowe.
“He is one of our key players and we are praying for a quick recovery. But we are not that much worried because, if you saw the player who replaced him, Nomore Chinyerere, he gave a good shift in that position.
“We can play him in different positions and he adapts well. Nomore was also injured before this game but he recovered quickly. So, in terms of our defence, we are not worried much. We also have Elvis Moyo, who is coming back from a long-term injury.”
Ghanaian midfielder Frederick Ansa-Botchway has also been out with injury for some time now.
Online Reporter