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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS coach Genesis Mangombe says Sadney Urikhob is a magnificent striker who can step in and play a big part in answering some of the Harare giants’ goalscoring problems.
The big Namibian forward has come under the microscope after a slow start to life at the Glamour Boys which pales the hype he received upon joining the team early this year.
With DeMbare struggling to pick solid form especially in front of goal, pressure has been mounting, for Urikhob to deliver especially.
That his partners in attack, Alexander Mandinyenya and Emmanuel Paga are already off the mark with three goals between themselves has only served to add more pressure on Urikhob.
Dynamos have scored just seven goals in eight games with Paga, who has netted twice the team’s leading scorer.
Urikhob’s shortcomings have been made largely evident by the value brought by fellow newcomer Frederick Ansah-Botchway of Ghana, whose industry in midfield has already won him so many admirers.
But Mangombe, who himself has shaken off the pressure that had followed his team’s indifferent start, has come out in full support of his striker.
“Sadney Urikhob is an impressive prospect with extraordinary qualities.
“He just needs to get that opening goal and start going,” said Mangombe.
“You look at the amount of energy that he throws in, his off the ball runs and ability to be a team player.
“I think we just need to be a bit patient with him. He is coming into a new league at a team with so much expectations but he is making huge strides in terms of adaptation.
“I believe in his capabilities and if I look at him closely, I have no doubt that he will play a major role in helping the team achieve its goals.
“He is a great team player who is not only limited to scoring goals but can also string good passes in the attacking third while also playing huge roles defensively.
“I am confident that with what he has shown me, Urikhob can be a great deal in our ambitions this season.”
A number of Dynamos players haven’t yet arrived on the scene this term but it is Urikhob, who has received the larger part of the brickbats being thrown by doubters.
The forward will this Saturday get another opportunity to win over the DeMbare fans when his side face Chicken Inn in a league game at Barbourfields.
Urikhob and Dynamos will be looking to pocket the maximum points and improve their position on the log.
They currently sit in mid-table with eight points wedging them from pacesetters Highlanders, notwithstanding the possibility of them being awarded three points from their aborted match against Chegutu Pirates a fortnight ago.
They were leading 1-0 in that encounter when rogue elements decided to force a stop to the encounter but Dynamos know they cannot count on something, which is not in their control.
DeMbare will need to be at their best to get something against Chicken Inn who have had a promising start under returning coach Joey Antipas. One of their most consistent performers and vice-captain Emmanuel Jalai is out of the tie as he will be serving suspension for picking three yellow cards.
They will also be without skipper Frank Makarati who has been grounded by a knee sprain.
“We will certainly miss captain Frank Makarati and his vice Emmanuel Jalai. They really play key roles with their leadership qualities inside the field of play,” said Mangombe.
“However, we have good players who will fit in and try to help the club while showing us what they can give.
“At the end of the day, we need to win the game against Chicken Inn. Chicken Inn is a very good team and we really need to arrive at the party,” added Mangombe.
Online Reporter