admin
Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
ORGANISERS of the Bob 90 Super Cup are bracing for an explosive game of football which should give a glimpse of what is in store for the new season when giants Dynamos and Highlanders clash in the final at Rufaro on Sunday.Tournament spokesperson Charles Mabika yesterday said all was in place for the match which was originally pencilled for February 23, just two days after the celebrations to mark President Robert Mugabe’s 90th birthday.
The tournament is part of the President’s birthday celebrations.
Dynamos are the holders and Bosso were 2-1 winners over Harare City courtesy of goals from Peter Moyo and Milton Ncube at Barbourfields last month to earn the ticket to play in the final.
Bosso have brought in a number of exciting prospects, who include returning midfielder Joel Ngodzo, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Charles Sibanda, Valentine Ndaba, Felix Chindungwe, Khumbulani Banda, Welcome Ndiweni and Mkhululi Dube.
“We can only expect fireworks because of the historical context of these clubs’ rivalry,” said Mabika.
“It’s the order of the day when these giants clash but this time there is an extra twist as Highlanders would want to unleash a galaxy of the stars they have acquired during the pre-season.
“They have a very solid team. We should also take into context that Dynamos are coming from that disappointment of bowing out of the Champions League and would be eager to bounce back to winning ways.
“They are the holders and they also have assembled a strong unit. It’s a game that will give both sets of supporters and the neutrals what is in store for the coming season.”
If the match ends in a deadlock after 90 minutes, the tie will be decided by a penalty shootout.
The organisers were by yesterday still working on the prize money to be given to the winners.
Mabika said gate charges have been pegged at US$3 for the rest of the ground, US$5 for the Upper West Grand stand tickets and US$10 for the VIP tickets. Dynamos coach Callisto Pasuwa said the Harare giants need to quickly put behind them the disappointment of their early exit from the Champions League after the 0-1 defeat to AS Vita of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“It’s one of those games we need to play well. Having lost in the Champions League we are back to our local league so we have to bring confidence to the players,” said coach Callisto Pasuwa. It’s very important (to win). At Dynamos I can say every game that we play is very important to us, even a friendly match. We don’t want to lose.
“We are trying to bring confidence in the team so that when the league starts the boys will be motivated.”
But DeMbare can count their participation in the Champions League as an advantage as they have been involved in some high-profile matches which helped them work on their game.
Highlanders and Dynamos will only meet in Week 12 in the new season.
Dynamos are hoping to strengthen their strike-force as they turn to some of the players they could not field in the Champions League tournament.
“We have other players that we have not registered in the Champions League. We have Clive Kawinga who I think has recovered from his ankle injury. “We also have Anesu Gondo who is one of the players not registered for the Champions League.
“We will have to motivate them in order for those goals to come. I also think some of the guys playing now are losing confidence nearly every day.
“We have been trying to psyche them up but, yes, it’s part of the game, we will soldier on. Maybe they will pick up as the season goes on,” said Pasuwa.
Online Reporter
Charles Duri