adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CHAMPIONS Dynamos are still sweating over the availability of their talisman Ronald Chitiyo who needs to pass a fitness test today ahead of the big duel with traditional rivals Highlanders at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Chitiyo, whose brace was instrumental when the Harare giants won the first leg 3-2 at Rufaro, has been battling an ankle injury in recent weeks.
Glamour Boys assistant coach Tonderai Ndiraya yesterday said the diminutive player looks doubtful for the big game although he will be assessed again before the travelling squad is announced.
“Chitiyo is still recovering. Remember he missed our previous game against Hwange because of the injury. However, the medical team will have one more look at him tomorrow (today). He has 50-50 chances,” said Ndiraya.
Chitiyo is Dynamos’ leading scorer with four goals.
Young Warriors full-back Blessing Moyo and defender Elisha Muroiwa are also set to undergo a fitness test today, while former Young Warriors goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga has been ruled out with a shoulder injury. However, there has been good news in the DeMbare camp, with the return of goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi and Masimba Mambare, who have both shaken off some knocks.
DeMbare are also looking to appeal against the suspension of Stephen Alimenda, who had been banned for three matches after he was found guilty of violent and abusive conduct towards Tsholotsho Pirates medic Sibusisiwe Mthunzi.
“As you know, he missed both games against Hwange and last weekend we had an official friendly match at Chapungu which was sanctioned by the league.
“So, we are looking to get clarity from that office whether that match counts as well. If he is cleared then he should be available for this game,” said Ndiraya.
The former DeMbare midfielder said they know exactly what awaits them at Barbourfields and will not leave anything to chance. DeMbare head coach David Mandigora was not available this week as he was attending a five-day FIFA fitness coaching course being run by ZIFA.
The Glamour Boys are looking to unleash all their mid-season acquisitions, who include Roderick Mutuma, Takesure Chinyama and newboys Richard Kawondera and Zivanai Mhanda.
“I’m happy we managed to beef up our strikeforce, which has been one of the problematic departments this season.
“It means increased competition and that might answer our cries for goals.
“Of course, it needs time to get the combinations working, but the season is now in the advanced stages. We don’t have that much time, but the good thing is we are talking of experienced players.
“Players who have seen it all. Some of them like Chinyama have played in the highest leagues in Europe and they know what to do. These boys have been training hard and hopefully if the midfield creates more chances we may be able to get the desired results,” said Ndiraya.
DeMbare last lost a league game to their opponents in 2006 when the Bulawayo giants won the championship for the last time.
The Glamour boys are currently fourth on the log standings with 28 points, two adrift of log leaders Chicken Inn.
The Gamecocks will be looking to hold onto pole position away at bottom-of-the-table side Dongo Sawmill on Sunday.
However, they will be without the league’s top scorer Edmore Chirambadare, who is sitting on three yellow cards.
Chirambadare has eight goals to his credit after featuring in 15 matches for the team. Young Warriors defender Lawrence Mhlanga will not be available as well through suspension, but the Gamecocks welcome full-back Passmore Bernard from a one-match ban.
The first leg contest between the sides was abandoned when Dongo’s medic was assaulted by the Chicken Inn goalkeepers’ coach. Second-placed Triangle have a tricky date at ZPC Kariba tomorrow.
Fixtures:
Tomorrow: Flame Lily V Tsholotsho (Lafarge), ZPC Kariba v Triangle (Nyamhunga), Chapungu V Whawha (Ascot)
Sunday: Dongo Sawmill v Chicken Inn (Vengere), Hwange v How Mine (Colliery), Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Buffaloes v FC Platinum (Sakubva), CAPS Utd v Harare City (NSS).
Online Reporter