adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
TOUGH talking Triangle United coach Gishon Ntini says he is preparing his charges for their “toughest” battle this season as they hope to stop Dynamos in the Castle Lager Premiership match at Gibbo this Sunday.
The former CAPS United coach, who always boasts that he has never lost a match to Dynamos in his entire career although his Shooting Stars were hammered 4-0 by the Harare giants, believes DeMbare are always a big threat especially at this stage of the race when they are smelling success.
DeMbare seized control in the championship race with a crucial victory at Highlanders which propelled them back to the top of the table on 48 points with four games remaining in the season.
Harare City who are also on 48 points will be on the road against relegation threatened army side Black Rhinos while Highlanders will be seeking to recover lost ground when they travel to Harare to face demoted Motor Action at Rufaro.
However, Ntini has threatened to derail the champions in their quest for a 20th league title. Ntini is enjoying a purple patch with the Premiership newboys after surviving the demons that threatened his side in the first half of the season.
“I can tell you that we are in top form. We are ready for any team, even Manchester United if they were to come and play us today. However, this does not mean it will be an easy game.
“In fact, looking at the fact that Dynamos boosted their morale with that victory at Highlanders, this should be our toughest match of the season. Obviously they will come with their tails up but if they do not prepare well their campaign might crash again,” said Ntini.
Triangle moved to sixth place on the log standings with 38 points at the weekend as they warmed up to the match against the defending champions with a convincing 5-0 victory at Tripple B.
Ntini said they are now aiming to gate-crash into the top four. Triangle have been enjoying an impressive run in which they scored 11 goals in the last three matches after beating Monomotapa 4-0, FC Platinum 2-1 and last weekend’s 5-0 thrashing of Tripple B.
“We knew we were going to play Dynamos and Highlanders at this stage and we did ourselves a great favour by winning games to make sure that we won’t have relegation pressure by the time we face them.
“Initially our target was to survive relegation in our first season but now we are in the top eight. If there is an opportunity to gate-crash into the top four then we may have to embrace it,” said Ntini.
“My strikers are looking sharp and I am glad we have been scoring goals. If we get the opportunity Dynamos will not be spared as well. I know we will score goals against them and it’s a matter of how many?” added Ntini.
The race for the 2013 title is fiercely being contested at the top by four teams with Dynamos and Harare City leading the way on 48 points.
DeMbare however, enjoy a superior goal difference. Highlanders were dislodged from the summit and are now third place with 47 points.
DeMbare have been poor travellers this year and their performance will be under scrutiny again when they face Triangle at Gibbo.
Harare City on the other hand have been cruising silently and appear to have taken advantage of the fact that much of the pressure and the spotlight has fallen on Dynamos and Highlanders in the race.
Harare City coach Bigboy Mawiwi yesterday said he hoped the Sunshine Boys who are in their second year in the Premiership will be able to keep their heads level until they cross the finishing line.
“We cannot compare ourselves with Dynamos and Highlanders because that will only place us under unnecessary pressure. We just need to keep level heads and try as much to take each game as it comes,” said Mawiwi.
Harare City however, have been hit by injuries ahead of their trip to Rimuka with three defenders Willard Kalongonda, Witness Nyamutsaka and Crispen Dickson being ruled out. Midfielder Godfrey Nguwodzawo will also not take part because of injury.
Fixtures:
Saturday
How Mine v Hwange (Luveve), Black Mambas v Monomotapa (Morris Depot), Shabanie Mine v Tripple B (Maglas)
Sunday
Triangle v Dynamos (Gibbo), Chicken Inn v FC Platinum (Luveve), Black Rhinos v Harare City (Rimuka), Motor Action v Highlanders (Rufaro), Buffaloes v CAPS United (Sakubva)
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