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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS interim coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, has hailed Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa as a good coach ahead of his team’s Chibuku Super Cup first round showdown against Whawha at Rufaro this afternoon.
The Glamour Boys badly need a win to restore confidence in a camp rocked by the sudden departure of coach David Mandigora and a poor run that has seen them win just once, in an age, in all competitions.
DeMbare are winless in their last four competitive assignments and the new man in charge Ndiraya is keen to get a victory after making a false start in his new job last week.
Ndiraya replaced Mandigora, but lost his first assignment when his men suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Highlanders in the final of the Commander ZNA Charities Shield final at Rufaro.
“Whawha is not an easy team, like people say. Remember they beat us in the league and we have to put up a good fight,” Ndiraya told The Herald.
“They have recently added new players to their team and they have a good coach in Lloyd Mutasa.
“So, we respect them and we expect to work hard and probably get back to winning ways.”
Mutasa has specialised in the art of doing very well against his former sides and DeMbare could have a tricky tie today.
The Glamour Boys crashed out of the Chibuku Super Cup in the first round last year, losing 0-1 to Black Rhinos at Gwanzura, in a match in which Rodreck Mutuma was sent off.
The return of midfield maestro Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo to full training this week has boosted DeMbare’s hopes.
Key defender Sydney Linyama, who limped off the pitch in the last match, is also expected back in the fold. Mutasa is happy that his men are carrying the underdogs tag.
The Midlands side have few injury worries in their camp and were keeping their fingers crossed over the availability of Young Warriors centreback Jimmy Konono, Kudzai Sauramba and Marshall Machazane.
They recently hired 2012 Premiership Golden Boot winner Nelson Maziwisa from FC Platinum to boost their attack.
The forward, together with Clifton Mwale, who was plucked from the FC Platinum development side, are expected to play a part this afternoon.
“As I have said, Dynamos are not always an easy team to play, but I believe we are prepared,” said Mutasa.
“Our strikeforce has been the weakest link and we have brought in some new faces to add some punch in the department.
“However, I am happy with what I’ve seen in the friendly matches that we played because we scored three goals against CAPS United, two against a team from Botswana and we were on target again against Harare City.”
The Chibuku Super Cup is likely to be heavily contested this year, looking at the unpredictability of the games that have been played this season.
Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas said they have a tricky test on their hands when the log leaders host Hwange at Luveve this afternoon.
“We just have to give it our best because Cup games are unpredictable. It’s a different assignment from the league.
“There are no favourites in Cup games. At the same time there are no underdogs. It’s more to do with the attitude, it needs a big attitude,” said Antipas.
Dark horses in this competition, Triangle, will host newboys Tsholotsho at Gibbo tomorrow.
The Lowveld side will be looking for their second silverware, to add to the NetOne OneWallet Trophy they bagged last year after beating Dynamos in the final.
Triangle coach Kelvin Kaindu said they are looking forward to a great outing as they hope to transform their league form to the knockout tournament.
“There is quite a lot at the stake in this competition. It’s a great thing to give all the teams a chance to fight for the honours.
“And coming to our game with Tsholotsho, I think this is a side that has fought really hard in their away matches. They have quite a solid defence and we hope to break their resistance.
“Our team has been doing quite well in the league this season and my prayer is that we be able to transform that form to Cup competition,” said Kaindu.
CAPS United were in the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week after a Harare businessman won a provisional High Court order to bar them from transferring players until their dispute, over a $55 000 loan, is settled.
And the Green Machine will be out to get it right on the pitch when they host ZPC Kariba tomorrow at Rufaro.
“I’ve been talking to the boys that we didn’t do quite well in that last game (against Harare City). It’s important that we apply ourselves well,” said coach Mark Mathe.
“Remember this is now a Cup game and everyone in this competition is really motivated because of the rewards.
“ZPC Kariba look like they are struggling, but we don’t have to look at that. We respect them.
“They have a legendary coach in Sunday Chidzambwa and they also beefed up during the mid-season, which shows they are serious about turning around their fortunes.
“If anything we need to improve our game. Defensively, we look okay, but our biggest challenge is on scoring goals.
“We have been working on that and, hopefully, we will create enough chances on Sunday.”
Fixtures
Saturday
Chicken Inn v Hwange (Luveve), FC Platinum v Dongo Sawmill (Mandava), Chapungu v Flame Lily (Ascot), Dynamos v Whawha (Rufaro)
Sunday
Triangle v Tsholotsho (Gibbo), How Mine v Highlanders (Barbourfields), CAPS United v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro).
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