Mutasa warns Bulls

streak when they clash against Premiership champions Motor Action in the NetOne Charity Shield tie at Rufaro tomorrow.
Mutasa appears to have won the approval of the hard-to-please DeMbare fans after introducing an entertaining brand of passing football at the club and although it might be early days, his Dynamos team is unbeaten in the build-up to the season.
Dynamos have accounted for bitter rivals CAPS United and Highlanders in the two pre-season cup tournaments they have featured in while Motor Action were also on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat by Mutasa’s men when the two sides met in a Chipaz Promotions encounter.
But the Charity Shield, a battle of the Cup Kings – Dynamos – and the League champions – Motor Action – presents Mutasa with the right platform to gauge the preparedness of his team for their 2011 campaign.
It is also an equally important assignment for the Mighty Bulls as it is their last major test before they plunge back into the tough world of the Champions League game with a first round assignment against Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas.
But a bouyant Mutasa yesterday expressed satisfaction with way he has begun his tenure as Dynamos coach and is relishing completing a double over the champions.
“I would like to believe that it’s going to be a close encounter because Motor Action are an equally good side who are also hungry for success. But we would like to win the Charity Shield to ensure that we continue with our flawless pre-season build-up.
“We have a big pool of players to select our team from this season and there is great competition for places, which is very encouraging.
“Right now we have the core of the team to perform the duties this season but it is important to look at everyone on our books although the focus this week is on winning the silverware.
“I think there are some good players who have not played this year and they could be given a chance in this match,” Mutasa said.
Mutasa, who has been tasked to lead the Glamour Boys to glory this year following the departure of Elvis Chiweshe, has had a promising start as head coach at DeMbare after leading the side to six wins in their pre-season build-up.
They will be meeting Motor Action for the second time in the pre-season after winning the first encounter 2-1 in a friendly game played as a curtain raiser to the Legends and Musicians fundraising event last month.
Mutasa indicated that he would like to stick to the first XI that did duty against CAPS United and Highlanders in their last two outings.
The Dynamos starting line-up was unchanged in those matches with captain George Magariro and David Kutyauripo forming the defence line that also included new buys Thomas Magorimbo and Gift Bello.
The midfield quintet of Archieford Gutu, Devon Chafa, Tawanda Muparati, Nicholas Alifandika and Denver Mukamba has been impressive while striker Roderick Mutuma is still trying to establish himself upfront.
But the coach could be tempted to try a few other options with the availability of experienced players such as Murape Murape, Washington Arubi and Guthrie Zhokinyi to boost the side. The DeMbare squad appears strong this season with the likes of Timire Mamvura, Augustine Mbara, Milton Makopa, Farayi Vimisayi, Desmond Maringwa, Esau Amisi and Clive Mwale all warming the bench.
“Basically we have somewhere to start from. At least we now have a stable team that is bound to do duty this season. We have 30 players on our books and I believe that anyone selected to play on any given day should be able to justify his inclusion in the team. No one has a permanent place.
“It has been Dynamos’ tradition to play good and entertaining football from the old days of the likes of George Shaya, Moses Chunga and we just need to look back at those glorious years and try to rekindle that spirit,” said Mutasa.
But Motor Action, who beat Dynamos to the Championship on goal difference last year, will not be push overs in this encounter, where winners are guaranteed to walk away with a cool US$40 000 incentive as announced by the sponsors NetOne last week.
Mighty Bulls coach Joey Antipas this week said they have been working hard on their team, and they are now looking forward to the match.
Antipas said they would be wary of their opponents this time around after losing their first encounter last month. The Warriors assistant coach hinted that the Mighty Bulls would go out in full force in a battle for the control of the midfield where Dynamos appear formidable.
“They have a strong team this season and I think they have the best midfield in the country at the moment. Players like Denver Mukamba, Chafa, Gutu and Timire Mamvura have been playing together from the national Under-23 side and obviously now have a good understanding.
“Overall they have been impressive during the off-season but we are prepared for them. We have been working on our shortcomings and I think the combinations are coming up well.
“We have been rebuilding our side after bringing in seven new players and we needed to blend the new and old players.
It’s crucial that we just keep working hard in our preparations and I am sure we will come right,” said Antipas.
The Mighty Bulls are coming from a 3-0 win over Black Mambas in their previous friendly match and will be looking to maintain their good run after morale-boosting victories in practice matches against Division One sides.
Antipas has been juggling with his players in search of working combinations and is expected to throw into the fray new recruits Edmore Chitato, Kuda Musharu and Tawanda Nyama-ndwe in tomorrow’s game.
But the Warriors assistant coach seems to have developed trust in his old lieutenants Marlon Jani, Sam Mutenheri, Isaac Masame, Allan Gahadzikwa, Edward Tembo, Themba Ndlovu and Enasio Perezo, who are all expected to take part in the game.
Antipas revealed that he is excited by the clean bill of health in his camp and will be using the match as part of the final preparations for the Champions League first round tie against 1998 winners Asec Mimosas.
The cheapest ticket for tomorrow’s match will be going for US$3 for the rest of the ground while the Upper Grand stand cost US$5 and the VIP US$10.
The sponsors have also promised to give away an Easy Call line to each fan who pays their way into the stadium tomorrow.