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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
NGEZI Platinum Stars coach, Rodwell Dhlakama, has pressed his charges to grab the opportunity and get the victory they need, to qualify for the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals.
The Mhondoro miners have a tricky Group 4 assignment against Triangle at Mandava today.
Dhlakama’s charges remain the only team still, to drop points, in the tournament, after winning all their three first round games.
They are buoyed by the arrival of Ghanaian Derrick Bonnah, who got his work permit this week.
Bonnah is now in the country and is available for selection for this morning’s battle.
The 25-year-old is a central defender but is also comfortable with the anchor role and was brought in as a direct replacement for Gerald Takwara, who is now on the books of Chippa United, in South Africa.
However, the Mhondoro side will have to wait a bit longer, before they can unleash highly-rated midfielder, Last Jesi.
The midfielder was signed two weeks ago, after his release by Sudan side Al Hilal, but he is till to get the reverse clearance needed for him to play here.
Ngezi top the standings with nine points, from three matches, and they are three ahead of FC Platinum, who are in second place.
Whawha and Triangle have a point apiece.
“We have been working every day and we hope to get a good result,” said Dhlakama.
“It’s always difficult to keep momentum, especially with the effects brought about by the time the teams have not been training.”
Ngezi Platinum will seal their place, in the quarter-finals, if they beat Triangle.
Dynamos have one foot firmly in the quarter-finals, as they top the Group A standings, with 14 points to their name, after six rounds of fixtures.
They are six points ahead of second-placed Yadah Stars, in this six-team group.
The Glamour Boys will further stretch their lead, if they beat the Prophet Walter Magaya’s team, at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
Ndiraya is praying his charges will find a way to regain the form they had picked, when the games were halted, about three months ago.
“We were in good shape, when the games were stopped,’’ said Ndiraya. “We were really flying and we are pushing the boys to try and retain the form.
“It’s very difficult to say because we had the momentum.
“Obviously, a lot has changed since then, especially given the fact that the boys were not training, for the past two months.
“But, these are footballers, they know what it means to be playing for Dynamos.
“They are pushing themselves and we are also pushing them to try and give it their all.
“Yadah is a very good team, they have impressive youngsters and the coach is also good, we are expecting a very tough match against them but we are confident we will pick a positive result.’’
DeMbare thrashed their opponents 4-0, in their first meeting, with midfielder Shadreck Nyahwa the star of the show, in that match.
“It doesn’t really count now,’’ said Ndiraya. “Of course, psychologically, we have that in the head but this is a new game completely. We have to be at our best if we are to get a good result.”
Fixtures
Today: Herentals v ZPC Kariba (NSS 11am), Dynamos v Yadah (NSS 3pm), Cranborne Bullets v Manica Diamonds(Sakubva 11am), Black Rhinos v Tenax (Sakubva 3pm), Triangle v Ngezi (Mandava 11am), FC Platinum v Whawha (Mandava 3pm), Chicken Inn v Bulawayo City (BF 1pm)
Tomorrow: Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (BF 1pm)
Harare City v CAPS Utd (NSS 3pm)
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