Andrew
Online Reporter
DYNAMOS coach Tonderai Ndiraya feels home advantage could be key when his side host red-hot Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Gamecocks come to Harare on the back of two consecutive wins since the resumption of the 2021/2022 season.
They thrashed Tenax 3-0 at Luveve a fortnight ago, before edging Bulawayo Chiefs 2-1 at the same venue last weekend.
Chicken Inn are joint top with early pacesetters Manica Diamonds on nine points going into the fifth round of fixtures.
Ndiraya, however, believes his team’s 0-0 draw at reigning champions FC Platinum last Saturday was a morale booster and a huge motivator.
He also thinks DeMbare’s vociferous home crowd could carry the day for the Harare giants.
“It’s unfortunate we have had to play two difficult teams in succession,” said Ndiraya.
“However, we draw confidence from the fact that we are playing Chicken Inn at home.
“Our fans are eager to come and see the new players live.
“This is really giving us a lot of excitement going into this match,” he said.
Dynamos recruited a number of new players during the January window, and Ndiraya handed five of them debuts in the 0-0 draw against FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium on Saturday.
Ralph Kawondera, Evans Katema, Emmanuel Paga, Keith Murera and Brandon Mpofu started for DeMbare in that match, while dribbling wizard Issa Sadiki came on as a second-half substitute.
“We have a good feeling because of the point we got from Mandava. It was not really what we wanted but that gave us some confidence,” added Ndiraya.
“That (draw) really ignited a lot of belief and energy within the boys. Getting a point at Mandava is a difficult thing to do and that has pushed us on.
“Everyone is pushing hard in training; the belief is there, and we can do something.
“We are playing a solid team (Chicken Inn), former champions and we have been preparing with that in mind.”
DeMbare have seven points from four matches and can overtake Chicken Inn with a win on Sunday.
Online Reporter