Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos prepare to host CAPS United at Rufaro on Sunday in what might be the most explosive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Harare Derby in recent years.
In Dynamos colours, Wisdom Mutasa is one of the players expected to lead from the forefront. Having turned out for both sides during his long career, Mutasa is the right candidate to explain what the derby truly means.
In a recent high-profile match against Scottland, he was deployed to neutralise the ever-present Moffat Aboubakar.
With that precedent, he is also expected to play a key role this Sunday against Richard Hachiro and his teammates, if given a chance to play.
“This is one of the biggest games in the local league,” said Mutasa.
“Even before, my father told me it used to be like that during the days of Joe Mugabe, who turned for CAPS United, whilst my dad (Lloyd Mutasa) turned out for Dynamos. So since then, I have respected the match for its history and the weight it carries on the local scene.”
Mutasa picked a moment he felt was special for him in the derby, barely almost a year ago.
“Playing a derby means a lot. It requires a lot of dedication and commitment. I remember in 2017, we were playing CAPS United at National Sports Stadium.
“It rained, but people came in their numbers, and we managed to beat CAPS United 1–0. The only goal of the game was scored by Christian Epoupa after a cross by Ocean Mushore.
“I was the one who was brought down to earn the free kick on the right side. We were attacking the north-east side, where there is that watch, after I dribbled through Justice Jangano, and we won the game.”
He added: “It’s one of my best derbies, but the importance of the match can be seen. You might not be playing well as Dynamos, but if you want the Vietnam support and the rest of the seven million supporters behind you, you just have to beat CAPS United. That means a lot, and it sums up the importance of the match for the teams.
Given a chance to play, whatever the coach will say and assign me, I am going to play for the badge only. I am going to give it all.”
Dynamos head coach Genesis “Kaka” Mangombe said he will set his team depending on how he will be seeking to outclass his opponent.
“Every game we apply different tactics and also we apply different arsenal based on the performance and training as well but at the same time also trying to spy on the opponents how they play and how we can match them.
“So, we are doing very well, that we need to contain them and also as a coach you need to know the dangerous players of the opponents and we will try by all means to make sure that we don’t give them room to play,” said Mangombe.
Mathew Masinge