Mafu ready to break jinx

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach Bongani Mafu says what has happened in the last nine years belongs to history and has rallied his troops to rise and claim victory over bitter rivals Dynamos in their blockbuster showdown at Barbourfields tomorrow.

The Bulawayo giants will be out to break a nine-year winless jinx against their biggest rivals.

Clashes between the giants have of late been close and after losing the first leg in controversial circumstances at Rufaro last month, Mafu would not want their spirits to be weighed down by the records.

The Highlanders coach was in jovial mood yesterday after taking his charges through their paces at the match venue and afterwards teaming up with some players to conduct a coaching clinic with pupils from Pumula and Msipheli Secondary Schools.

These girls’ teams have been chosen by BancABC, who are the principal sponsors of both teams, to feature in the curtain-raiser for the main match tomorrow.

Dynamos and Highlanders will be in good spirits as they received their consignment of training and playing kits, tracksuits, travelling bags, backpacks as well as training and match balls from BancABC through local sports equipment supplier E-Sport.

Highlanders lost the first leg 2-3 last month and Mafu said they will not look into previous results.

Bosso have not won a league match against Dynamos since 2006.

“History is something that you can’t really change, but it can help you change the future. So, we cannot really do anything about the 17 or so games that Highlanders have played and failed to beat Dynamos.

“Instead, what we could change is the coming game on Sunday.

“Personally, I believe if we continue to concentrate on the past that’s when we are likely to come short.

“So, we don’t have to pile unnecessary pressure on ourselves. We have to come out on Sunday relaxed and try to enjoy the game,” said Mafu.

The Bulawayo giants have a good health report, with virtually all players available.

Striker Gabriel Nyoni, who has been nursing a hamstring injury he suffered two months ago, might also make it.

Edmore Muzanenhamo has, however, been ruled out through suspension.

But Mafu was happy with the competition for places among his players.

Highlanders played very good football in the last encounter against Dynamos, with the likes of Obadiah Tarumbwa, Knox Mutizwa, King Nadolo and Rahman Kutsanzira all putting up a good show.

Mafu said he expects his charges to pick up from where they left in their last encounter against DeMbare.

“The spirit among the boys is very encouraging. Everyone is happy and keen to play a part on Sunday. We are very prepared. Only Gabriel is injured and Edmore is out through suspension,” said Mafu.

“But life really is very funny. I remember when I brought Edmore from How Mine everyone was questioning the wisdom of having him here at Highlanders.

“Today everyone is asking about the implications of his absence. He has shown he is a good player, but it’s not like we are in a disaster because he is not available for selection.

“We have several players who can fit in,” said Mafu.

Highlanders are keen to turnaround their fortunes following subdued performances this season.

They are currently ninth on the log standings with 21 points from 16 games.

Dynamos have also not had the best of starts and are in fourth position with 29 points.

DeMbare team manager Richard Chihoro said the Glamour Boys were looking to upset Bosso on their own turf.

Chihoro said midfield maestro Ronald Chitiyo was still a doubtful starter.

Chitiyo, Blessing Moyo, Elisha Muoriwa and goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga have been the casualties in the DeMbare dressing room.

“It’s an interesting game and I am sure we will win. I would want to urge all our fans in Bulawayo and Harare to come in their numbers to witness another good win over Highlanders.

“Barbourfields is like our second home ground here in Zimbabwe. We feel very comfortable playing in that ground and would want to promise our supporters nothing, but good football,” said Chihoro.

DeMbare head coach David Mandigora will join his side today when they depart for Bulawayo. Mandigora missed much of the training this week while attending a coaching course at ZIFA Village.

Most of the responsibility was in the hands of assistant Tonderai Ndiraya, who was working with goalkeepers’ coach Gift Muzadzi.

Ndiraya said they have done their homework after noticing shortcomings from the first leg which ended 3-2 in their favour at Rufaro.

DeMbare are also looking to unleash their returning forward Takesure Chinyama to improve their finishing.

“Highlanders are not a small team and if you saw how the first leg was so fiercely contested you would understand what I’m saying.

“Five goals were scored in that match, but I feel this one will be different.

“I don’t think we are prepared to let in more than two goals and I don’t think Highlanders as well will want to concede three again. I believe we have both done our homework.

“These guys know and understand how big this match is. To some, that is where stars are born. As the technical team, we usually find it difficult to come up with the first eleven because everyone is fighting for places,” said Ndiraya.