adminpicking an injury during Dynamos’ 2-0 win over Buffaloes in the BancABC Sup8r Cup quarter-final clash at Gibbo at the weekend.
He only featured for 52 minutes before he was replaced by Boban Zirintusa.
Khumbula has missed a couple of games this season but has somehow done his best to make up for his erratic fitness levels with four goals to his credit in the league competition.
Ironically, the bustling striker marked his return from injury last week and was on target twice to orchestrate the destruction of the Bulawayo side in the 3-0 first leg victory at Rufaro.
The Glamour Boys are in high spirits following two wins in succession but they should be concerned about the spate of injuries that has been wrecking havoc in their camp this year.
Dynamos also have two other strikers Washington Pakamisa and Fransisco Zekumbawira who are battling to gain full fitness.
However, team manager Richard Chihoro, said they were not panicking over the setback.
“Patrick received a knock in the last game at Gibbo, so he could not train. We are not sure the extent of the injury as we are waiting to hear from the doctors.
“But the other players who were injured are doing okay and could play this weekend if selected,” said Chihoro.
Defenders Partson Jaure and long-term injury casualty Byron Madzokere are also on the injury list and have missed most of Dynamos’ commitments in the last month. DeMbare, who are the defending champions, are currently second on the log table and are trailing leaders Highlanders and Chicken Inn by a single point at the halfway mark.
“Obviously last Sunday’s win in the BancABC Sup8r Cup was good for us because it helped to boost the morale. Everyone is now in good spirits and we are looking forward to our next assignment.
“However, away games are always tough, so we are telling our players that we need to keep focused, especially as we go to the second round of the championship race.
“We realise that an away point at this stage is very precious taking into consideration that competition in the league is tough this year.
“No-one can afford to be complacent since we are now heading to the crucial stage of the race. You cannot be certain who will be relegated or who will end at the top since the teams are only separated by small margins on the log table,” said Chihoro.
How Mine will be looking to bounce back after their campaign, which looked very promising earlier in the first half, suddenly suffered a huge dent.
They are without victory in their last five outings since the big 2-1 win over Highlanders in the Bulawayo derby at Barbourfields on May 19.
Coach Philani Mabhena will have to do without some of his key players like Gilbert Banda, Thandazani Ndlovu and goalkeeper Pedzisai Gumiremhete who are suspended this week.
Former champions Motor Action will also be looking for redemption when they host bogey side Monomotapa at Callies on Sunday in their third straight meeting inside two weeks.
Suspended players
Prosper Matizanadzo (Buffaloes), Obrey Chirwa (FC Platinum), Blessing Sande (Motor Action), Charles Mutero (Motor Action), Tawanda Nyamandwe (CAPS United), Brian Juru (Chicken Inn), Peter Moyo (Highlanders), Munyaradzi Kunyarimwe (Shabanie Mine), Gilbert Banda (How Mine), Dumisani Ndlovu (Highlanders), Honey Chimutimunzeve (Black Mambas), Ben Nyahunzvi (Black Mambas), Pardon Chinungwa (Triangle United), Ephraim Mwinga (Tripple B), Pedzisai Gumiremhete (How Mine), Thandazani Ndlovu (How Mine), Ali Sadiki (FC Platinum)
Online Reporter