No Jairos, no Perfect

Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS will be without Perfect Chikwende and Jairos Kasondo when they face a stern test against unbeaten Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro tomorrow.
Kasondo, who also missed Dynamos’ last match against Hardrock in Kwekwe, remains sidelined with a muscle injury.
The forward has been a crucial figure for DeMbare this season, leading the club’s scoring charts with six goals.Chikwende has joined him on the treatment table after sustaining a hamstring injury during the ill-fated clash against Hardrock at Chahwanda.
“We are going to miss them in this game,” said coach Genesis Mangombe.
“They both have muscle injuries. Perfect has a hamstring problem and we are still monitoring his condition but he will not be available for selection this week.
“Kasondo is also recovering well, and we hope he can resume training with the team next week.
“The good thing, however, is that we have a wider selection and there are other players who can come in and do the job.”
Dynamos have since attempted to move on from the chaos in Kwekwe.
Focus has now shifted to stabilising their campaign after a dip in form that has seen them register just one win in their last seven outings.
“After the intensity of that last match, we have a good starting point to build on.
“We are finalising our squad and those selected will go into camp ahead of the game.
“I am also encouraged by the return of some injured players, especially Collin Mujuru, who is now back in training, although we still have a few absentees.”
With 21 points from 13 matches, Dynamos have slipped off the pace and now trail leaders CAPS United by seven points.
Their task is further complicated by the form of Ngezi Platinum Stars, who have been one of the standout sides this season and are yet to suffer defeat in 14 matches.
The platinum miners have shown remarkable resilience despite losing several key players at the start of the campaign. Their situation has also been complicated by a FIFA-imposed transfer ban linked to an outstanding financial dispute with former coach Bongani Mafu.
“I think we are improving in terms of creating and scoring chances, and if we can convert those opportunities, it will make a difference,” said Mangombe.
“At the same time, our defence is becoming more organised, and we are working hard to ensure that we remain solid at the back.”
With both pride and crucial points at stake, Dynamos will need a disciplined and inspired performance if they are to halt Ngezi Platinum Stars’ impressive unbeaten run and revive their own campaign.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Dynamos v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro), MWOS v Hardrock (Ngoni)
Sunday: Highlanders v FC Hunters (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v Chicken Inn (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v Herentals (Mandava), TelOne v AGAMA (Ascot), Simba Bhora v Triangle (Wadzanayi), Scottland v CAPS United (NSS)
Monday: Bulawayo Chiefs v Manica Diamonds (Barbourfields).