adminagainst Hwange at Rufaro tomorrow.
The two-time championship-winning coach finds himself in a bit of a problem to play catch-up with the leading teams in the race as the defending champions have made a slow start to their campaign.
Although they are yet to taste defeat in eight games, Pasuwa yesterday said he wants his team to maintain their momentum following their 3-0 demolition of rivals Monomotapa last week at the same venue.
Despite the victory, which was their second this term and backed up by a series of draws, the Harare giants are conscious of the fact that they are yet to convince their fans this season that they have the depth and class to win the league again.
Dynamos will also be following with keen interest as leaders Highlanders and FC Platinum cancel out each other at Mandava this afternoon.
Bosso and FC Platinum are currently dictating the pace with 19 points apiece while DeMbare are currently seventh on the log standings with 12 points.
Hwange appear to be struggling as they are third from the bottom with seven points.
Pasuwa yesterday said he does not doubt the quality of his team, despite a poor start, and urged his charges to start winning consistently.
“Last week we won against Monomotapa, but before that we had drawn with FC Platinum. The previous game was a victory against Tripple B and that has been the story,” said Pasuwa.
“But it’s not a good thing that we win today and tomorrow we drop points. What we want is consistency in winning games.
“We have been talking about that and the sooner we start getting maximum points the better because if you look at it the season is moving fast.”
Pasuwa, however, will be cautious not to look at Hwange’s recent record, which has seen them winning one, drawing four and losing three games this season.
Former DeMbare midfielder, Farayi Vimisayi, will return to Rufaro in what appears a largely changed side from the team that played against Dynamos last year and losing both home and away.
The coal-miners have lost several players during the pre-season and they will not have in their line-up the likes of Daniel Kamunhenga, Winston Mhango, Aaron Katebe, goalkeeper Petros Mhari and the pair of Allan Tavarwisa and Francisco Zekumbawira, who are now at Dynamos.
But they have in their ranks a mixture of youth and experience with new-boys Phakamani Dube and Pritchard Mpelele expected to play a part alongside veterans Gerald Ndlovu, David Boriwondo, Timothy Sibanda and Gilbert Zulu.
“Hwange are not a bad team. They have got senior guys like Isaac Masame, whom they have recruited this season, and just like us they also have youngsters,” said Pasuwa.
“So, the challenge to the guys is how do we approach a side like Hwange? In this case attitude is very important.
“We should not look at what they have been doing or what they are doing, bearing in mind that every team that we play will always have that zeal to beat us as defending champions.
“So, we are trying to encourage the new guys in our team that for Dynamos to win games we should put maximum effort, even up to 120 percent.
“Our approach to things on and off the field should be up there.
“We need the right attitude and we should not get carried away with the win against Monomotapa in the last game. In fact, we should be on our toes every time.”
However, the Dynamos technical team appear distressed by the increasing number of players on their books who are out because of injuries and other administrative reasons beyond their control.
Captain Murape Murape is out this weekend and will be joined by Zekumbawira, goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi, Stephen Alimenda, Patrick Khumbula and Byron Madzokere.
Madzokere appeared fully fit, only to go down again on Thursday with a back problem. Clive Kawinga is available to beef up the strike-force but his match fitness is doubtful and it could be a huge gamble for him to play 90 minutes.
“Of all the guys that were injured we were not so lucky to get even one of them fit to play this week. The situation is worrying since we have, I think, 11 or 12 guys who are not available for us from the 30 that we registered.
“Besides the injuries and Murape who is suspended, there are also other players like Jeremy and Sydney Linyama who are still to get clearance to play for us.
“So it effectively means we have about 18 or 19 players who are available to play, including the juniors,” said Pasuwa.
Youthful forward Abel Gwatidzo showed flashes of brilliance but Pasuwa called on the DeMbare supporters to be patient with him and back the team through tough times.
“I think the fans should be patient enough with the team. I know we have drawn a number of games we have played. I believe it was a matter of cohesion that was lacking in the team and we are working on it.
“We have a different team from last year and the fact that we are having so many injuries has made it difficult to get our act together quickly. Injuries have forced us to change the team for almost every game that we have played.
“So when we throw into the fray some of the guys who are still new we have to understand that some of them are not used to playing for a big club like Dynamos, so we should not put too much pressure on them.
“Instead, such players need support and in that way we can be able to get the best out of them,” said Pasuwa.
Hwange coach Nation Dube said Chipangano, despite their woes this season, will not be sitting ducks.
“It’s always difficult playing away from home but we have been preparing for the game. We don’t prepare ourselves so that we lose games, therefore we will put in everything to get a positive result,” said Dube.
Fixtures
Today: Chicken Inn v Motor Action (Luveve), Black Mambas v Black Rhinos (Morris Depot), Tripple B v Monoz (Dulibadzimu), FC Platinum v Highlanders (Mandava)
Tomorrow: Shabanie v Harare City (Maglas), How Mine v Buffaloes (Luveve), Triangle v CAPS United (Gibbo), Dynamos v Hwange (Rufaro).
Online Reporter