daniel chigunwe
Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS coach, Tonderayi Ndiraya, says they are looking to welcome the spectators back to the field with a fine display when they face Black Rhinos in the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup at Baobab tomorrow.
Ndiraya told The Saturday Herald the return of the fans was a huge boost for the Glamour Boys.
However, only 500 fans, instead of the permitted 2 000, will be allowed this weekend after the Premier Soccer League decided to reduce the numbers to avoid being overwhelmed.
Ndiraya said the Glamour Boys were excited with the return of the 12th man, especially with the league programme set to begin next weekend.
“I think it is going to be a bit emotional for us and the fans, as well,” said Ndiraya.
“It’s been a long time since we had that connection between the two of us.
“So, it’s going to be really emotional and, at the same time, we hope it will give the push to the team.
“They are our pillar of strength in most of the games that we play.
“We hope to cap a good day for them by qualifying to the semi-finals of the tournament.’’
The supporters were given the green light to attend football matches, for the first time in almost two years, following the gradual relaxation of the strict Covid-19 protocols.
Ticket sales were progressing yesterday despite the exorbitant prices.
The league pegged the cheapest ticket at US$20 while those who wish to sit in the VIP bay will have to part with US$50.
DeMbare completed the round robin phase unbeaten in 10 games.
They are also looking to be at full strength after resting key players in the last two group games.
The Glamour Boys have been boosted by the return of defender Frank Makarati from injury, and Ndiraya is a happy man.
“Out of the 30 players, it’s only Takunda Mawarire who has some little pain in his ankle,’’ said Ndiraya.
“Frank Makarati, who was also injured, has been training for two weeks now.
“That is really giving us options in terms of team selection.
“What we have done is to give each and every player a chance to play.
“We have done that and we saw how they played. What’s left now is to choose the best candidates for the game.’’
DeMbare are up against their bogey side.
“Black Rhinos are always tough opponents but we are prepared for them,’’ the coach said.
“What is giving us hope is that we finished all the group games, without conceding a goal, from the opposition players.
“We only conceded two own goals.
“We wanted a win, particularly in the last game, but we couldn’t risk some of our key players, because they were carrying yellow cards.
“But, you always want to go into the knockout stage with the winning mentality.
“That’s what we were looking for in the last two games but we couldn’t get it.
“The good thing is that we have no choice but to win, in order to go to the semi-finals, it’s not easy but we have to try and do that.
“So far, with the competition that I am seeing at training, it looks very promising.’’
While DeMbare have a new cast, which includes exciting youngster Bill Antonio, Barnabas Mushunje and goalkeeper Taimon Mvula, Rhinos look more of a DeMbare cousin.
The army side have given shelter to players like Kudzanai Dhemere, Tawanda Chisi, Tawanda Macheke, Edgar Mhungu and goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira.
They were all deemed excess baggage at Dynamos.
Coach Herbert Maruwa, a former Dynamos assistant coach, is excited to meet his former paymasters, at this stage.
“It’s not an easy game but history favours us against DeMbare, especially in the Chibuku Cup,’’ said Maruwa.
“Whenever we play them it’s always a close game.
“As Black Rhinos, we need to fight to the end and get a positive result. I know they are in good form. We need to be at our best to progress.
“At the end of the day, there is supposed to be a winner. So, we are prepared for everything.
“It’s dog eat dog.”
Fixtures
Today: Chicken Inn v Ngezi Platinum Stars (11am); FC Platinum v Highlanders (3pm)
Sunday
Cranborne Bullets v Harare City (11am); Dynamos v Black Rhinos (3pm)
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