Pio, Kadonzvo blow for DeMbare

Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub

GIANTS Dynamos are set to miss two of their key players Valentine Kadonzvo and Tellmore Pio for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League battle against Chicken Inn at Rufaro tomorrow.

Kadonzvo has been excused for duty this week as he is involved in examinations, while Pio is down with a hamstring injury he initially suffered two weeks ago.

The diminutive Pio is one of the bright prospects for DeMbare where he has slowly been establishing himself as a tireless midfield workhorse.

He aggravated the hamstring injury last week in the 0-1 defeat to Manica Diamonds at Sakubva.

DeMbare will also miss the experience and leadership of Kadonzvo, one of the most seasoned players in the largely new look bunch of rookies.

Dynamos coach Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe told Zimpapers Sports Hub that changes are expected in his side, as they look to turnaround the season following a slow start.

Chigowe said his players were eager to bounce back in a positive manner following last week’s loss, which was their first defeat in the opening five matches.

“Our preparations have gone very well, and we are happy everyone is keen to play except for these two, unfortunately. We are worried more with the injury to Pio because this is not the time.

“He was initially injured in the game against Simba Bhora at Rufaro and from the preliminary assessment it was not that serious. But then he aggravated the injury last week in Mutare when we played Manica Diamonds, and he will definitely not make it for this game. We just wish him speedy recovery.

“Of course, we would have wanted to have each and every one of our players available for all our games but sometimes it’s not possible. So, we have to make some adjustments on Sunday,” said Chigowe.

Dynamos are in urgent need of a turnaround after winning only once in their opening five matches and drawing three times.

They have so far accumulated just six points from a possible 15.

The Glamour Boys currently sit 11th on the log standings, but they could slip further down the ladder at the end of today’s fixtures.

However, Chigowe has challenged his charges to seize the momentum at home, where they usually enjoy warm support of their passionate fans.

Unfortunately, because they have been punching below their weight, the numbers have dwindled significantly, as DeMbare supporters are not turning up like they did at the peak of the team’s prowess.

“I think it’s a matter of time before we start winning consistently. Remember we have assembled a new team, and we are still working on perfection,” said Chigowe.

“The youngsters need our support. It’s good we are playing Chicken Inn at home and we have to try and maintain the momentum. Last time we were at Rufaro we won against Simba Bhora and I think we should take it up from there.

“We have to try and make sure we win our games at home. Remember Rufaro is our fortress. Other teams like Simba Bhora and Manica Diamonds have made exclusive ownership of their home grounds and we should try and do the same,” said Chigowe.

The PSL race is slowly shaping up and today log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars are set to face a stern test against Herbert Maruwa’s unpredictable TelOne at Ascot.

MWOS, Ngezi and FC Platinum are the only teams still unbeaten so far in the campaign.

Leaders Ngezi have won four and drawn one in their opening five matches.

Another interesting fixture is expected between defending champions Simba Bhora and Manica Diamonds at Wadzanayi.

While Simba Bhora are still trying to recover from a slow start, the Gem Boys could fancy their chances after winning three of their matches, drawing one and losing one.

In Harare, all roads lead to Rufaro where Yadah will host star-studded newboys Scottland this afternoon.

Fixtures:

Today: TelOne v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Ascot), Bikita Minerals v Triangle (Gibbo), Yadah v Scottland (Rufaro), FC Platinum v GreenFuel (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Kwekwe United (Nyamhunga), Simba Bhora v Manica Diamonds (Wadzanayi)

Tomorrow: Highlanders v CAPS Utd (Barbourfields), Herentals v MWOS (Wadzanayi), Dynamos v Chicken Inn (Rufaro)