Giants invade Gweru amid contrasting tales

Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter

A RESURGENCE in the perennial turbulence that always rocks the Dynamos ship every other season overshadowed the Harare giants’ Chibuku Super Cup round of 16 triumph over Simba Bhora last weekend.

Just when the Glamour Boys were celebrating the victory that ensured they would join other giants such as Highlanders, CAPS United and FC Platinum in the quarter-final, attention was shifted to the off-field drama that hit their camp.

This was largely sparked by revelations by club vice-chairman Vincent Chawonza that coaches Herbert Maruwa, his assistant Maruwa and team manager Richard Chihoro were facing a litany of charges.

Chawonza made public, the damning allegations against the trio before the accused had even been served with their charge sheets.

While matters seem to have gone out of hand at Dynamos it was a contrasting tale at their city rivals CAPS United.

CAPS United also won their Chibuku Super Cup first round assignment amid an ambience of stability despite having their own funding challenges.

Now both giants head to Bata Stadium on the same where they are expected to give Midlands fans a rate treatment of top-flight action, albeit, against tricky opponents.

It is not every day that both Dynamos and CAPS United are in the same town outside of Harare on a Premiership mission.

Following Maruwa’s suspension, pending dismissal, first assistant coach Genesis Mangombe is in interim charge of Dynamos.

And he has a huge task to help cheer the spirits of the club when they play Sheasham tomorrow.

It’s a big test for the former Yadah coach who leads Dynamos for the first time in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

He has already provided a reason for the Dynamos family to trust him after posting a 1-0 win over Simba Bhora in the Chibuku Super Cup assignment.

But tomorrow, he is coming face to face with adversary who is widely travelled and experienced – Lizwe Sweswe who won the league title with FC Platinum in 2019.

Not only that.

Sheasham have NOT conceded a goal since they started hosting opponents at Bata four months ago.

Even undefeated log leaders Highlanders failed to breach them as did second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars.

With nine points separating them and Highlanders, Dynamos cannot afford to drop points if they are to cap their 60th anniversary with a league title.

“I am happy that we beat Simba Bhora in the Chibuku Super Cup.

“It boosted the confidence of the players,” said Mangombe.

“We are now focusing on the next assignment (against Sheasham).

“We say it’s a small team but they have been posting good results against big teams.

“So we need to prepare very well and make sure that we don’t lose this game,” Mangombe said.

Dynamos will be without winger Issah Sadiki who is injured and suspended fullback Elvis Moyo.

Sweswe told Zimpapers Sports earlier that he was not reading much into the reported in-house problems at Dynamos.

“Dynamos may appear to have problems.

“One should not be fooled into believing that the situation will affect what is happening on the pitch. We will not read anything into that, we will go into the match prepared,” said Sweswe.

The match comes against a background where Sheasham have beaten champions FC Platinum in recent weeks and felled another giant Chicken Inn who were second last year.

But before DeMbare face a Sheasham outfit seeking to exact revenge for the 4-0 defeat they suffered in Harare in the reverse fixture, another potential explosive battle is on today when CAPS United host Ngezi at the same venue.

Left back Terrence Daka said CAPS United have what it takes to beat Ngezi Platinum Stars.

“At the end of the day, we are a very big team with a rich history.

“We are very ready for Ngezi Platinum Stars,” said Daka.

“The team is very happy and everyone is ready for the match against Ngezi Platinum Stars.

“Everyone is raring to go. As players we have been telling each other to keep the focus and concentration.

“We need to start grinding results as we focus on reducing the gap between us and the leading pack”.

Leaders Highlanders also face a tricky tie against Black Rhinos at Barbourfields tomorrow.

The army side are sitting at the base of the league log standings and veteran striker Lot Chiunga has challenged his teammates to up their game.

“We need to survive the chop and we should start getting the wins now,” said Chiunga who played a few Warriors matches under Ian Gorowa in 2014.

Fixtures:

Today:

Bulawayo Chiefs v ZPC Kariba (Luveve)